Serotonin transporter gene associations with psychopathic traits in youth vary as a function of socioeconomic resources.
Although prior research has examined the genetic correlates of antisocial behavior, molecular genetics influences on psychopathic traits remain largely unknown. Consequently, we investigated the influence of polymorphic variation at the serotonin transporter protein gene (SLC6A4) and socioeconomic resources (SES) on psychopathic traits in youth across two distinct samples in two separate studies. In Study 1, a main effect of serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotype was associated with the impulsivity dimension of psychopathy. That is, individuals homozygous for the short allele evidenced more impulsivity than did those homozygous for the long allele. In contrast, a gene-environment interaction was associated with the callous-unemotional and narcissistic features of psychopathy. Callous-unemotional and narcissistic traits increased as SES decreased only among youths with the homozygous-long (l/l) genotype, a novel finding replicated and extended in Study 2. These studies provide preliminary results that the l/l genotype confers risk for the emotional deficits and predatory interpersonal traits associated with psychopathy among youths raised in disadvantaged environments.
Sadeh
Naomi
N
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. nsamimi2@illinois.edu
Javdani
Shabnam
S
Jackson
Joshua J
JJ
Reynolds
Elizabeth K
EK
Potenza
Marc N
MN
Gelernter
Joel
J
Lejuez
C W
CW
Verona
Edelyn
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000483:Alleles; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins