A novel differential susceptibility gene: CHRNA4 and moderation of the effect of maltreatment on child personality. (13th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grazioplene, Rachael G.; DeYoung, Colin G.; Rogosch, Fred A.; Cicchetti, Dante
• Is Part Of: Journal of child psychology and psychiatry and allied disciplines. Volume 54:Number 8(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 872
• Page End: 880
• Publication Date: 2012-12-13
• Subjects: Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child psychiatry -- Periodicals; 155.4
• DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9630

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>Background: </bold> 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 <italic>CHRNA4</italic> has been linked to characteristics related to the personality traits Neuroticism and Openness/Intellect.</p> <p> <bold>Methods: </bold> The effects of interaction between <italic>CHRNA4</italic> 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).</p> <p> <bold>Results: </bold> Variation in <italic>CHRNA4</italic> interacted with childhood maltreatment to predict personality in a manner indicating differential susceptibility. The interaction of <italic>CHRNA4</italic> and maltreatment status predicted Neuroticism and Openness/Intellect. Maltreated children with the rs1044396 T/T genotype scored highest on Neuroticism and showed no effect of genotype on Openness/Intellect. Non‐maltreated children with this genotype scored lowest on Neuroticism and highest on Openness/Intellect.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusion: </bold> Variation in <italic>CHRNA4</italic> appears to contribute to personality by affecting degree of developmental sensitivity to both normal and adverse environments.</p> </abstract>