Transcription factor AP-2beta genotype associated with anxiety-related personality traits in women. A replication study

• Published in: Neuropsychobiology Vol. 48; no. 4; pp. 169 - 175
• Main Authors: Damberg, Mattias, Berggård, Cecilia, Mattila-Evenden, Marja, Rylander, Gunnar, Forslund, Kaj, Garpenstrand, Håkan, Bergman, Hans, Gustavsson, J Petter, Jönsson, Erik G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 2003
• Subjects: Adult; Affective Symptoms - genetics; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anxiety - classification; Anxiety - genetics; Anxiety - physiopathology; Anxiety - psychology; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; Female; Genotype; Humans; Introns; Male; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Middle Aged; Muscle Contraction - genetics; Personality - genetics; Personality Inventory - statistics & numerical data; Sequence Analysis - methods; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transcription Factor AP-2; Transcription Factors - genetics
• ISSN: 0302-282X; 1423-0224
• DOI: 10.1159/000074633

Attempts to link transmitter system genes to certain aspects of personality have been performed. Several monoamine-related gene variants have been investigated. We previously reported an association between a transcription factor activating protein-2beta (AP-2beta) variant and anxiety-related personality traits as estimated by Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP). To confirm this reported association, we have, in the present study, analysed an enlarged group of healthy volunteers (n = 370) with regard to AP-2beta genotype and personality traits. For estimation of personality traits, individuals completed 5 different personality questionnaires, i.e. Swedish Universities Scales of Personality (SSP), Health-Relevant 5- Factor Personality Inventory (HP5i), Temperament and Character Inventory, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory and KSP. In contrast to men, women having two long AP-2beta alleles displayed lower scores for muscular tension (KSP; F = 10.65, p = 0.0013), somatic trait anxiety (SSP; F = 7.18, p = 0.0081), trait irritability (SSP; F = 4.51, p = 0.032), mistrust (SSP; F = 4.01, p = 0.0468) and negative affectivity (HP5i; F = 10.20, p = 0.0017) than women with at least one short allele. The data presented in this study, together with our previously published data, suggest that AP-2beta intron 2 genotype is associated with low levels of anxiety-related personality traits in women. Hence, these data further suggest the human AP-2beta gene as a novel candidate gene in personality.