Additive Gene-Environment Effects on Hippocampal Structure in Healthy Humans

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3113-13.2014
• Publication Date: 2014-07-23T17:00:04Z
• Authors: U. Rabl; B. M. Meyer; K. Diers; L. Bartova; A. Berger; D. Mandorfer; A. Popovic; C. Scharinger; J. Huemer; K. Kalcher; G. Pail; H. Haslacher; T. Perkmann; C. Windischberger; B. Brocke; H. H. Sitte; D. D. Pollak; J.-C. Dreher; S. Kasper; N. Praschak-Rieder; E. Moser; H. Esterbauer; L. Pezawas
• Keywords: Subiculum; 5-HTTLPR

Hippocampal volume loss has been related to chronic stress as well genetic factors. Although and environmental variables affecting hippocampal have extensively studied mental illness, limited evidence is available with respect G × E interactions on volume. The present MRI study investigated interaction effects between three well-studied functional variants (COMT Val158Met, BDNF Val66Met, 5-HTTLPR) associated a measure of adversity (life events questionnaire) in large sample healthy humans (<i>n</i> = 153). All showed significant Observed were additive by nature driven both recent early life events. A consecutive analysis subfields revealed spatially distinct profile for each variant suggesting specific role 5-HTTLPR the subiculum, Val66Met CA4/dentate gyrus, COMT Val158Met CA2/3 changes. underscores importance determinants volume, which crucial neurobiological understanding stress-related conditions, such mood disorders or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD).