Neuropsychological Correlates of Transcription Factor AP-2Beta, and Its Interaction with COMT and MAOA in Healthy Females

作者：Schabram Ina; Eggermann Thomas; Siegel Steven J; Gruender Gerhard; Zerres Klaus; Vernaleken Ingo^*

来源：Neuropsychobiology, 2013, 68(2): 79-90.

DOI：10.1159/000350997

• AP-2 beta transcription factor
• Catechol-O-methyltransferase
• Monoamine oxidase A
• Cognitive performance
• Dopamine

Background:The transcription factor AP-2 beta has been shown to impact clinical and neuropsychological properties. Apparently, it regulates the transcription of genes that code for molecules which are part of the catecholaminergic transmission system. This investigation focuses on possible effects of the transcription factor AP-2 beta intron 2 polymorphism on cognitive performance parameters. Methods: This hypothesis-driven investigation examined the effects and interactions of the transcription factor AP-2 beta intron 2 polymorphism, the Val158Met catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) polymorphism, and the variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) on cognitive performance parameters within a group of 200 healthy women (age: mean +/- SD, 23.93 +/- 3.33 years). Results: The AP-2 beta polymorphism significantly influenced cognitive performance (in particular, the Trail Making Test part B), whereas the MAOA and COMT polymorphisms did not. However, there was an interaction effect of the AP-2 beta x MAOA x COMT genotypes on the decision bias 13 of the degraded-stimulus version of the continuous performance task. Only the Val158Met COMT polymorphism showed an influence on personality questionnaires (openness and self-transcendence; NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Temperament and Character Inventory). Conclusion: The transcription factor AP-2 beta intron 2 polymorphism had more influence on cognition than the MAOA and COMT polymorphisms. Possibly, the AP2 beta genotype might influence cognition through pathways other than those that regulate MAOA and COMT transcription. Interactions of transcription factor AP-2 beta, COMT, and MAOA polymorphisms suggest higher leverage effects of transcription factor AP-2 beta in subjects with high dopamine availability.

• 出版日期2013