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  • Original Research Article
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A polymorphic region in the human transcription factor AP-2β gene is associated with specific personality traits

Molecular Psychiatry volume 5, pages 220–224 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

Transcription factor AP-2β is implicated in playing an important role during embryonic development of different parts of the brain, eg, midbrain, hindbrain, spinal cord, dorsal and cranial root ganglia.1, 2 The gene encoding AP-2β contains a polymorphic region which includes a tetranucleotide repeat of [CAAA] four or five times, located in intron 2 between nucleotides 12593 and 12612.3 Since the midbrain contains structures important for variables such as mood and personality, we have investigated if the AP-2β genotype is associated with personality traits estimated by the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP). Identification of transcription factor genes as candidate genes in psychiatric disorders is a novel approach to further elucidate the genetic factors that, together with environmental factors, are involved in the expression of specific psychiatric phenotypes. The AP-2β genotype and KSP scores were determined for 137 Caucasian volunteers (73 females and 64 males). The personality traits muscular tension, guilt, somatic anxiety, psychastenia and indirect aggression were significantly associated with the specific AP-2β genotype, albeit with significant difference between genders. Based on this result the human AP-2β gene seems to be an important candidate gene for personality disorders. Moreover, the present results suggest that the structure of the intron 2 region of the AP-2β gene is one factor that contributes to development of the constitutional component of specific personality traits.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (No. 4145).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

    M Damberg, H Garpenstrand, J Alfredsson, J Ekblom & L Oreland

  2. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

    K Forslund & G Rylander

Authors
  1. M Damberg
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  2. H Garpenstrand
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  3. J Alfredsson
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  4. J Ekblom
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  5. K Forslund
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  6. G Rylander
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  7. L Oreland
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Correspondence to L Oreland.

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Damberg, M., Garpenstrand, H., Alfredsson, J. et al. A polymorphic region in the human transcription factor AP-2β gene is associated with specific personality traits. Mol Psychiatry 5, 220–224 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4000691

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4000691

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