Genetic Moderation of Stress Effects on Corticolimbic Circuitry.
Published
Journal Article (Review)
Stress exposure is associated with individual differences in corticolimbic structure and function that often mirror patterns observed in psychopathology. Gene x environment interaction research suggests that genetic variation moderates the impact of stress on risk for psychopathology. On the basis of these findings, imaging genetics, which attempts to link variability in DNA sequence and structure to neural phenotypes, has begun to incorporate measures of the environment. This research paradigm, known as imaging gene x environment interaction (iGxE), is beginning to contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms through which genetic variation and stress increase psychopathology risk. Although awaiting replication, evidence suggests that genetic variation within the canonical neuroendocrine stress hormone system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, contributes to variability in stress-related corticolimbic structure and function, which, in turn, confers risk for psychopathology. For iGxE research to reach its full potential it will have to address many challenges, of which we discuss: (i) small effects, (ii) measuring the environment and neural phenotypes, (iii) the absence of detailed mechanisms, and (iv) incorporating development. By actively addressing these challenges, iGxE research is poised to help identify the neural mechanisms underlying genetic and environmental associations with psychopathology.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Bogdan, R; Pagliaccio, D; Baranger, DA; Hariri, AR
Published Date
- January 2016
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 41 / 1
Start / End Page
- 275 - 296
PubMed ID
- 26189450
Pubmed Central ID
- 26189450
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1740-634X
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0893-133X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1038/npp.2015.216
Language
- eng