Epigenetic variation in the serotonin transporter gene predicts resting state functional connectivity strength within the salience-network.

ABSTRACT: Genetic variation in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) has been associated with psychopathology and aberrant brain functioning in a plethora of clinical and imaging studies. In contrast, the neurobiological correlates of epigenetic signatures in SLC6A4, such as DNA methylation profiles, have only recently been explored in human brain imaging research. The present study is the first to apply a resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging approach to identify changes in brain networks related to SLC6A4 promoter methylation (N=74 healthy individuals). The amygdalae were defined as seed regions given that resting state functional connectivity in this brain area is under serotonergic control and relates to a broad range of psychiatric phenotypes. We further used bisulfite pyroseque

SUBMITTER: Muehlhan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6869056 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature