title: Examining associations between disordered eating and serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The serotonin system has been implicated in mood and appetite regulation, and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is a commonly studied candidate gene for eating pathology. However, most studies have focused on a single polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in SLC6A4; little research has utilized multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate associations between SLC6A4 and eating pathology more comprehensively.
  
  
  METHODS
  Family-based association tests were conducted for seven polymorphisms in or near SLC6A4, using families from the Colorado Center for Antisocial Drug Dependence. Data were available for 135 families, with phenotypic data available for female twins and female nontwin siblings. Seven items assessed two disordered eating characteristics: weight and shape concerns and behaviors (WSCB) and binge eating (BE).
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant associations were found between any genetic variant and the two disordered eating characteristics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that utilizing polymorphisms in and near SLC6A4, including 5-HTTLPR, may not be useful in identifying genetic risk factors for disordered eating.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA. munnme@psychiatry.wush.edu
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Munn-Chernoff
authors.forename: Matthew B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: McQueen
authors.forename: Gary L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Stetler
authors.forename: Brett C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Haberstick
authors.forename: Soo Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Rhee
authors.forename: Laura E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Sobik
authors.forename: Robin P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Corley
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smolen
authors.forename: John K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Hewitt
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Stallings
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000235:genetics*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D035781:Siblings; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins