The influence of dopamine‐related genes on perceptual stability. Issue 9 (22nd August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmack, Katharina; Sekutowicz, Maria; Rössler, Hannes; Brandl, Eva J.; Müller, Daniel J.; Sterzer, Philipp
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 38:Issue 9(2013:Nov.)
• Page Start: 3378
• Page End: 3383
• Publication Date: 2013-08-22
• Subjects: bipolar disorder -- bistable perception -- DAT1 -- DRD4 -- human; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

Abstract: Bistable perception is the spontaneous and automatic alternation between two different perceptual states that occurs when sensory information is ambiguous. Perceptual alternation rates are robust within individuals but vary substantially between individuals. Slowed perceptual switching has been consistently reported in patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) and has been suggested as a trait marker for this disease. Although genetic factors have been implicated in both BPD and bistable perception, the underlying biological mechanisms that mediate the observed perceptual stability in BPD remain elusive. Here, we tested the effect of two variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms in DRD4 and DAT1 (SLC6A3), both candidate genes for BPD with functional impact on dopaminergic neurotransmission, on bistable perception in a cohort of 108 healthy human subjects. The BPD risk allele DRD4‐2R was significantly associated with slow perceptual switching. There was no effect of DAT1 genotype on bistable perception. Our findings indicate that genetic differences in dopaminergic neurotransmission linked to BPD also account for interindividual variability in bistable perception, thus providing a genetic basis for perceptual stability as a trait marker of BPD. Abstract : Here, we present evidence that genetic differences in dopaminergic neurotransmission might provide the neurobiological link between bipolar disorder and slowed bistable perception. Using an endophenotype approach we find that the bipolar disorder risk allele of the functional VNTR polymorphism in the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4‐2R) is associated with slowed perceptual switching during bistable perception in healthy human participants.