Beyond genotype: serotonin transporter epigenetic modification predicts human brain function.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

We examined epigenetic regulation in regards to behaviorally and clinically relevant human brain function. Specifically, we found that increased promoter methylation of the serotonin transporter gene predicted increased threat-related amygdala reactivity and decreased mRNA expression in postmortem amygdala tissue. These patterns were independent of functional genetic variation in the same region. Furthermore, the association with amygdala reactivity was replicated in a second cohort and was robust to both sampling methods and age.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Nikolova, YS; Koenen, KC; Galea, S; Wang, C-M; Seney, ML; Sibille, E; Williamson, DE; Hariri, AR

Published Date

  • September 2014

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 17 / 9

Start / End Page

  • 1153 - 1155

PubMed ID

  • 25086606

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4146649

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1546-1726

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1097-6256

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/nn.3778

Language

  • eng