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Genetic mechanisms of behavior—don't forget about the transcription factors

Molecular Psychiatry volume 6, pages 503–510 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

Major changes in psychiatric phenotypes due to genetic factors are seldom the result of single gene polymorphisms, but more often the result of several genetic mechanisms. In this millennium article we discuss the notion that the expression of numerous candidate genes could be regulated by the same transcription factors, and that polymorphisms in transcription factor genes might explain some phenotypes. We describe recent results of studies on the biological marker thrombocyte monoamine oxidase (trbc MAO) and the transcription factor AP-2β. Low levels of trbc MAO is associated with temperamental characteristics such as sensation seeking and impulsiveness, and the enzyme is genetically regulated by specific transcriptional mechanisms. Transcription factor AP-2β is important for the development of midbrain structures and AP-2β has several binding sites in the regulatory regions of genes encoding key proteins in the monoamine transmitter systems. We have recently shown AP-2β to be linked to personality, binge-eating disorder, treatment with antidepressant drugs, and also to trbc MAO. Regardless of whether transcriptions factors, such as AP-2β, regulate the expression of eg, the number of monoamine neurons or a variety of candidate genes within the monoamine systems, or both, we would like to emphasize the role of transcription factors, besides polymorphisms in monoaminergic candidate genes, when explaining inter-individual differences in temperament and psychiatric vulnerability.

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

    M Damberg, H Garpenstrand & L Oreland

  2. Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Sweden

    J Hallman

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  1. M Damberg
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  2. H Garpenstrand
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  4. L Oreland
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Correspondence to L Oreland.

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Damberg, M., Garpenstrand, H., Hallman, J. et al. Genetic mechanisms of behavior—don't forget about the transcription factors. Mol Psychiatry 6, 503–510 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4000935

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