Targeted exome sequencing for the identification of a protective variant against Internet gaming disorder at rs2229910 of neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor, type 3 (NTRK3): A pilot study.
Background and aims Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has gained recognition as a potential new diagnosis in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but genetic evidence supporting this disorder remains scarce. Methods In this study, targeted exome sequencing was conducted in 30 IGD patients and 30 control subjects with a focus on genes linked to various neurotransmitters associated with substance and non-substance addictions, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results rs2229910 of neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor, type 3 (NTRK3) was the only single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that exhibited a significantly different minor allele frequency in IGD subjects compared to controls (p = .01932), suggesting that this SNP has a protective effect against IGD (odds ratio = 0.1541). The presence of this potentially protective allele was also associated with less time spent on Internet gaming and lower scores on the Young's Internet Addiction Test and Korean Internet Addiction Proneness Scale for Adults. Conclusions The results of this first targeted exome sequencing study of IGD subjects indicate that rs2229910 of NTRK3 is a genetic variant that is significantly related to IGD. These findings may have significant implications for future research investigating the genetics of IGD and other behavioral addictions.
1 Maum to Maum Clinic , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Jeong-Yu
JY
Kim
2 Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Jo-Eun
JE
Jeong
3 Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Je-Keun
JK
Rhee
2 Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Hyun
H
Cho
2 Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Ji-Won
JW
Chun
3 Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Tae-Min
TM
Kim
4 Korea Institute on Behavioral Addictions, True Mind Mental Health Clinic , Seoul, Republic of Korea , and Health Care & Information Research Institute, Namseoul University , Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
Sam-Wook
SW
Choi
5 Department of Psychiatry, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center , Seoul, Republic of Korea , and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Jung-Seok
JS
Choi
2 Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Dai-Jin
DJ
Kim
D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000235:genetics*; D059472:Exome; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005787:Gene Frequency; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D060005:Genotyping Techniques; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010045:Outpatients; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020812:Receptor, trkC / Q000235:genetics*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D018910:Video Games; D055815:Young Adult
D020812:Receptor, trkC
Internet gaming disorder (IGD); NTRK3; exome sequencing; targeted sequencing