A review of the role of serotonin system genes in obsessive-compulsive disorder. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sinopoli, Vanessa M.; Burton, Christie L.; Kronenberg, Sefi; Arnold, Paul D.
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 80(2017)
• Page Start: 372
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Genetics -- Obsessive-compulsive disorder -- OCD -- Serotonin system -- Neuropsychiatry -- Neuroscience -- Psychiatry -- Candidate gene -- Genetic association -- Serotonin transporter -- SLC6A4 -- 5-HTTLPR -- HTR2A -- 5-HT2A -- HTR1B -- 5-HT1B -- HTR2C -- 5-HT2C -- Subtypes -- Symptom dimensions; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Highlights: Review obsessive-compulsive disorder and the role of serotonin system genes. Summarize candidate serotonin system gene studies conducted and suggest reasons for inconclusive findings. Help direct future genetic studies given our understanding of genetic complexity and phenotypic heterogeneity in OCD. Abstract: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder that causes the patient to experience intrusive thoughts and/or to carry out repetitive, ritualized behaviors that are time consuming and impairing. OCD is familial and heritable. The genetic factors responsible for pathogenesis, however, remain largely unknown despite the numerous candidate gene studies conducted. Based on efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) in treating OCD, serotonin system genes have been a dominant focus in OCD candidate gene studies. We review the most commonly studied candidate serotonin system gene variants (specifically in SLC6A4, HTR2A, HTR1B, and HTR2C ) and their association with OCD. Although findings to date are mixed, serotonin transporter polymorphism 5-HTTLPR and HTR2A polymorphism rs6311 (or rs6313) are most consistently associated with OCD. Mixed findings may be the result of genetic complexity and phenotypic heterogeneity that future studies should account for. Homogenous patient subgroups reflecting OCD symptom dimensions, OCD subtypes, and sex should be used for gene discovery.