This article offers a review of research concerning the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) and its association with substance abuse and the personality trait Novelty Seeking (NS). There has been much controversy surrounding this association due to conflicting results and methodological differences between studies. It appears from the literature that there may be an association with DRD4 and NS amongst severe drug-dependent populations. Therefore, the DRD4 gene may not predispose individuals to addiction per se, but having the genetic variant may predispose substance abusers to a severe dependency.
This article discusses the notion that numerous candidate genes for psychiatric disorders may be regulated by the same transcription factors, and that polymorphisms in transcription factor genes might explain some phenotypes. The authors present data on thrombocyte monoamine oxidase (trbc MAO) and the transcription factor AP-2β. Regardless of whether transcription factors, such as AP-2β, regulate the expression of the number of monoamine neurons or a variety of monoaminergic genes, or both, the authors emphasize the role of transcription factors when explaining inter-individual differences in temperament and psychiatric vulnerability.
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