Genetic variation of dopamine and serotonin function modulates the feedback-related negativity during altruistic punishment

Sci Rep. 2017 Jun 7;7(1):2996. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-02594-3.

Abstract

Why do humans cooperate and often punish norm violations of others? In the present study, we sought to investigate the genetic bases of altruistic punishment (AP), which refers to the costly punishment of norm violations with potential benefit for other individuals. Recent evidence suggests that norm violations and unfairness are indexed by the feedback-related negativity (FRN), an anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) generated neural response to expectancy violations. Given evidence on the role of serotonin and dopamine in AP as well as in FRN-generation, we explored the impact of genetic variation of serotonin and dopamine function on FRN and AP behavior in response to unfair vs. fair monetary offers in a Dictator Game (DG) with punishment option. In a sample of 45 healthy participants we observed larger FRN amplitudes to unfair DG assignments both for 7-repeat allele carriers of the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) exon III polymorphism and for l/l-genotype carriers of the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLRP). Moreover, 5-HTTLPR l/l-genotype carriers punished unfair offers more strongly. These findings support the role of serotonin and dopamine in AP, potentially via their influence on neural mechanisms implicated in the monitoring of expectancy violations and their relation to impulsive and punishment behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Altruism*
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Punishment*
  • Receptors, Dopamine D4 / genetics*
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DRD4 protein, human
  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Receptors, Dopamine D4
  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine