title: No association between a polymorphism in the serotonin receptor 2B (HTR2B) gene and personality traits in healthy Japanese subjects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The brain neurotransmitter serotonin affects many aspects of human behavior, including personality traits. Because the serotonin receptor 2B (HTR2B) gene has recently been associated with impulsivity, we investigated the potential association between the rs10194776 and Q20* polymorphism in the HTR2B gene and personality traits in healthy subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1,171 healthy Japanese subjects were enrolled in this study. Their personality traits were evaluated using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and the rs10194776 and Q20* genotype was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant main effect of the rs10194776 polymorphism on harm avoidance and self-directedness in females (p = 0.037 and p = 0.043, respectively). However, these differences were insignificant after a Bonferroni correction. Subjects carrying the minor allele of the Q20* polymorphism were nonexistent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the present study suggest that the HTR2B polymorphism is not likely to be associated with personality traits, including novelty seeking and impulsivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan.
authors.forename: Shoko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tsuchimine
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Taniguchi
authors.forename: Norio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sugawara
authors.forename: Ayako
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaneda
authors.forename: Norio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yasui-Furukori
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality / Q000235:genetics*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D044403:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2B / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D044403:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2B