title: Genetic association studies between SNPs and suicidal behavior: a meta-analytical field synopsis.
abstract: The large number of published meta-analyses on the associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and suicidal behavior mirrors the enormous research interest in this topic. Although meta-analytic evidence is abundant and certain patterns are apparent, those have not been integrated into a general framework as of yet. In a systematic review, genetic association studies between SNPs and suicidal behavior were identified. Previously published meta-analyses for eight SNPs were updated and the results of the different meta-analyses were compared. Meta-analyses for 15 SNPs, which had not been subjected to meta-analysis before, were conducted. The present meta-analytical field synopsis showed five major similarities between new and published analyses: 1) Summary effect sizes were small and rarely statistically significant, 2) heterogeneity between studies was often substantial, 3) there were no time trends, 4) effects were easily swayed and were largely dependent on individual studies, and 5) publication bias does not play a role in this field of research. Meta-analytic data show once more that major contributions of single genes are unlikely. However, association studies and corresponding meta-analyses have been an important and necessary stepping stone in the development of modern and more complex approaches in the genetics of suicidal behavior.
authors.affiliation: University of Vienna, School of Psychology, Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: anne.schild@univie.ac.at.
authors.forename: Anne H E
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Schild
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pietschnig
authors.forename: Ulrich S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Voracek
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D056726:Genetic Association Studies / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*; D011897:Random Allocation; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology
keywords: 5-HIAA; 5-HT; 5-HT(1A) receptor; 5-HTR1A; 5-HTT; 5-HTTLPR; 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid; 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin); Association study; GWAS; Genetics of suicide; Genome-wide association study; Meta-analysis; SNP; Serotonin transporter; Serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region; Single nucleotide polymorphism; Suicidal behavior; Systematic review; TPH; Tryptophan hydroxylase