Variation in the serotonin transporter gene modulates selective attention to threat

Emotion. 2008 Aug;8(4):584-8. doi: 10.1037/a0012826.

Abstract

The 5-HTTLPR is an insertion/deletion polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene. Prior research has revealed associations between the short-allele variant of this polymorphism, enhanced self-reported negative emotionality, and hypersensitivity of fear relevant neural circuits. In a sample of 50 healthy women we examined the role of 5-HTTLPR for cognitive-affective processing of phylogenetical fear-relevant stimuli (spiders) in a dot probe task. In contrast to homozygote long-allele carriers (ll), participants carrying at least 1 short allele (ss and sl) selectively shifted attention toward pictures of spiders, when these were presented for a duration of 2,000 ms. These results argue for an involvement of 5-HTTLPR in cognitive processing of threatening stimuli and thus, underpin its general role for individual differences in negative affect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect*
  • Alleles
  • Attention*
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins