Transcription factor AP-2beta genotype associated with anxiety-related personality traits in women. A replication study.
Attempts to link transmitter system genes to certain aspects of personality have been performed. Several monoamine-related gene variants have been investigated. We previously reported an association between a transcription factor activating protein-2beta (AP-2beta) variant and anxiety-related personality traits as estimated by Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP). To confirm this reported association, we have, in the present study, analysed an enlarged group of healthy volunteers (n = 370) with regard to AP-2beta genotype and personality traits. For estimation of personality traits, individuals completed 5 different personality questionnaires, i.e. Swedish Universities Scales of Personality (SSP), Health-Relevant 5- Factor Personality Inventory (HP5i), Temperament and Character Inventory, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory and KSP. In contrast to men, women having two long AP-2beta alleles displayed lower scores for muscular tension (KSP; F = 10.65, p = 0.0013), somatic trait anxiety (SSP; F = 7.18, p = 0.0081), trait irritability (SSP; F = 4.51, p = 0.032), mistrust (SSP; F = 4.01, p = 0.0468) and negative affectivity (HP5i; F = 10.20, p = 0.0017) than women with at least one short allele. The data presented in this study, together with our previously published data, suggest that AP-2beta intron 2 genotype is associated with low levels of anxiety-related personality traits in women. Hence, these data further suggest the human AP-2beta gene as a novel candidate gene in personality.
Damberg
Mattias
M
Department of Neuroscience, Section of Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. mattias.damberg@neuro.uu.se
Berggård
Cecilia
C
Mattila-Evenden
Marja
M
Rylander
Gunnar
G
Forslund
Kaj
K
Garpenstrand
Håkan
H
Bergman
Hans
H
Gustavsson
J Petter
JP
Jönsson
Erik G
EG
D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000235:genetics; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007438:Introns; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000235:genetics; D010551:Personality / Q000235:genetics*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017421:Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D050656:Transcription Factor AP-2; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C493677:TFAP2B protein, human; D050656:Transcription Factor AP-2; D014157:Transcription Factors