Association between promoter methylation of serotonin transporter gene and depressive symptoms: a monozygotic twin study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is a key candidate gene for depression. We examined the association between SLC6A4 promoter methylation variation and depressive symptoms using 84 monozygotic twin pairs.

Methods

DNA methylation level in the SLC6A4 promoter region was quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing using genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes. The number of current depressive symptoms was assessed using the Beck Depressive Inventory II (BDI-II). The association between methylation variation and depressive symptoms was examined using matched twin-pair analyses, adjusting for body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Multip

SUBMITTER: Zhao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3848698 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature