A novel differential susceptibility gene: CHRNA4 and moderation of the effect of maltreatment on child personality.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The differential susceptibility hypothesis states that some genetic variants that confer risk in adverse environments are beneficial in normal or nurturing environments. The cholinergic system is promising as a source of susceptibility genes because of its involvement in learning and neural plasticity. The cholinergic receptor gene CHRNA4 has been linked to characteristics related to the personality traits Neuroticism and Openness/Intellect.

Methods

The effects of interaction between CHRNA4 genotype and maltreatment status on child personality were examined in a well matched sample of 339 maltreated and 275 non-maltreated children (aged 8-13 years).

Results

Variation in CHRNA4 interacted with childhood maltreatment to predict personality in a manner indicat

SUBMITTER: Grazioplene RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3608843 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature