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Molecular genetics and the epidemiology of common mental disorders: new opportunities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 October 2011

Scott Henderson ,
Anthony Jorm ,
Patricia Jacomb ,
Ailsa Korten  and
Simon Easteal
Scott Henderson*
Affiliation:
NHMRC Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Centre, and Human Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Anthony Jorm
Affiliation:
NHMRC Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Centre, and Human Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Patricia Jacomb
Affiliation:
NHMRC Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Centre, and Human Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Ailsa Korten
Affiliation:
NHMRC Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Centre, and Human Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Simon Easteal
Affiliation:
NHMRC Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Centre, and Human Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
*
Indirizzo per la corrispondenza: Professor A.S. Henderson, Psychiatric Epidemiology. Research Centre. Australian National University. Canberra ACT 0200. Canberra (Australia). Fax +61-2-6249-0733. E-mail: scott.henderson@anu.edu.au
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Summary

Aim – To describe the rationale for introducing molecular genetic analyses to psychiatric epidemiology. This offers new possibilities for aetiological research on common mental disorders. Method – In addition to the traditional variables used in field surveys, it is now possible to include molecular genetic information. This is currently done by looking for allelic associations rather than by linkage analysis, and can be directed either at traits conferring susceptibility or at states. The purpose is to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) by examining candidate genes. An alternative strategy is genome scanning, which can identify genes by their chromosomal position with increasing resolution. Results – Some associations have already been reported in the literature, linking personality traits with particular alleles: extraversion or novelty-seeking with a polymorphism of the dopamine DRD4 receptor gene; and neuroticism with a polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene. Conclusions – These findings are of major interest, but cannot yet be looked upon as confirmed. What is significant for epidemiology is the opportunity to link behavioural and psychiatric variables with genes influencing biochemical and physiological processes in the brain, and to do so at the population level. For further allelic association studies, there are four principal requirements: valid measures of phenotypes; replication of findings across diverse populations; more candidate genes; and exploration of the interaction between genotype and environmental exposures from conception to late life. Through such research, psychiatric epidemiology can now investigate biopsychosocial phenomena.

Riassunto

Scopo – Descrivere il razionale per l'introduzione dell'analisi genetica molecolare nell'epidemiologia psichiatrica. Ciò apre nuove possibilità per la ricerca eziologica sui disturbi mentali comuni. Metodo – Oltre alle variabili tradizionali usate nelle ricerche sul campo, è ora possibile includere informazioni di genetica molecolare. Ciò si svolge solitamente attraverso lo studio delle associazioni alleliche più che attraverso la linkage analysis e può essere diretto sia ai tratti che conferiscono la suscettibilità che agli stati ('). Lo scopo è di identificare i quantitative trait loci (QTL), esaminando i geni candidati. Una strategia alternativa è lo scanning del genoma che può identificare i geni dalla loro posizione cromosomica con maggiore risoluzione. Risultati – Alcune associazioni sono già state riportate in letteratura e legano i tratti della personalità con particolari alleli: estroversione o novelty-seeking con un polimorfismo del gene per il recettore DRD4 per la dopamina; e neuroticismo con un polimorfismo del gene trasportatore della serotonina. Conclusioni – Questi risultati sono di grande interesse, anche se non possono ancora essere considerati definitivamente confermati. Ciò che è significativo per l'epidemiologia è l'opportunità di legare variabili comportamentali alle variabili psichiatriche con geni che influenzano i processi biochimici e fisiologici del cervello, e farlo a livello di popolazione. Per ulteriori studi sulle associazioni alleliche ci sono 4 requisiti principali: misure valide dei fenotipi, replicazione dei risultati su popolazioni diverse, più geni candidati ed esplorazione dell'interazione tra il fenotipo e l'esposizione ambientale dal concepimento alia vecchiaia. Attraverso questa ricerca l'epidemiologia psichiatrica può ora investigare i fenomeni bio-psico-sociali.

Keywords

epidemiologymolecular geneticsquantitative trait loci (QTL)personalityvulnerabilityanxietydepressionepidemiologiagenetica molecolarequantitative trait loci (QTL)personalityvulnerabilityansiadepressione.
Type
Articles
Information
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , Volume 6 , Issue 3 , December 1997 , pp. 167 - 172
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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