A psychobiological perspective on genetic determinants of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity.
From the perspective of psychobiological stress research we present a brief overview of findings documenting a significant impact of genetic factors on the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Quantitative genetic studies in twins as well as association studies, primarily on polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor gene, are depicted. Recent findings suggest that the collaboration of psychobiology and molecular genetics is a promising interdisciplinary approach that will significantly contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the link between stress, the HPA axis, and HPA-related clinical states.
Wüst
Stefan
S
Department of Psychobiology, University of Trier, Johanniterufer 15, 54290 Trier, Germany. wuest@uni-trier.de
Federenko
Ilona S
IS
van Rossum
Elisabeth F C
EF
Koper
Jan W
JW
Kumsta
Robert
R
Entringer
Sonja
S
Hellhammer
Dirk H
DH
D000818:Animals; D005823:Genetics; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000502:physiology; D011603:Psychophysiology; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic
D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid