Socioeconomic status mediates the genetic contribution of the dopamine receptor D4 and serotonin transporter linked promoter region repeat polymorphisms to externalization in preadolescence.
The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) and genetic polymorphisms on individual differences for externalized behaviors have often been investigated separately in studies of children and adults. In a general population sample of 607 Italian preadolescents, we examined the independent and joint effects of SES and the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and serotonin transporter linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms upon rule-breaking and aggressive behaviors measured with the Child Behavior CheckList/6-18. We found evidence, which was based on both one locus and two-loci genotype analyses, that low SES and DRD4 long and 5-HTTLPR long alleles, both alone and in interaction, are associated with higher aggressive behavior scores. The effects were similar but more modest and limited to one locus genotype analyses for rule-breaking behavior. Consistent with studies that showed the effects of societal moderators on the heritability of externalized behaviors across different segments of the population, we suggest that diminished social constraints associated with low parental SES may act as enhancers of the genetic influence of specific DRD4 and 5-HTTLPR alleles over aggressive behaviors in preadolescence.
Nobile
Maria
M
Child Psychiatry Department, Eugenio Medea Scientific Institute, via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini 23842 (LC), Italy. mnobile@bp.lnf.it
Giorda
Roberto
R
Marino
Cecilia
C
Carlet
Ombretta
O
Pastore
Valentina
V
Vanzin
Laura
L
Bellina
Monica
M
Molteni
Massimo
M
Battaglia
Marco
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D000483:Alleles; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency / Q000235:genetics; D008040:Genetic Linkage / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D007206:Individuality; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007558:Italy; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4 / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012951:Socialization; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4