A Polymorphism of the MAOA Gene is Associated with Emotional Brain Markers and Personality Traits on an Antisocial Index

Abstract

Association studies suggest that the low activity variant of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)-uVNTR polymorphism confers risk for emotional disturbances associated with antisocial traits, particularly in males. Here, we assessed the low (MAOA-L) activity variant in relation to both brain function and a behavioral index of antisocial traits. From an initial sample of 290 healthy participants, 210 had low (MAOA-L) or high (MAOA-H) activity variants. Participants underwent a brief assessment of personality traits and event-related potential (ERP) recording during an emotion-processing task. Genotype differences in ERPs were localized using LORETA. The MAOA-L genotype was distinguished by elevated scores on the index of antisocial traits. These traits were related to altered ERPs elicited 120-280 ms post-stimulus, particularly for negative emotion. Altered neural processing of anger in MAOA-L genotypes was localized to medial frontal, parietal, and superior temporo-occipital regions in males, but only to the superior occipital cortex in females. The MAOA low activity variant may increase susceptibility to antisocial traits through alterations to the neural systems for processing threat-related emotion, especially for males. Monoamines such as noradrenalin and serotonin may modulate these relationships, given that their metabolism varies according to MAOA variants, and that they modulate both emotional brain systems and antisocial aggression.

New frontiers in criminal careers research, 2000–2011: A state-of-the-art review

“…Since Caspi et al's pioneering study, other research teams have linked the MAOA gene to constructs that bear on criminal careers including gang membership and weapons use (Beaver, DeLisi, Vaughn, & Barnes, 2010), sustained delinquency, neuropsychological deficits, and low self-control (Beaver, DeLisi, Vaughn, & Wright, 2010), antisocial personality (Williams et al, 2009), and impulsive violence (Meyer-Lindenberg et al, 2006). Molecular criminologists have also linked additional genetic polymorphisms to outcomes (or, phenotypes) germane to criminal careers.…”

Association Analysis Between 12 Genetic Variants of Ten Genes and Personality Traits in a Young Chinese Han Population

“…The −1021C/T polymorphism of DBH gene promoter, which influences the plasma DBH activity, is associated with harm avoidance in healthy females (Kamata et al 2009). Several studies also reveal an association between the three-repeat allele of MAOA and a cluster of externalizing behaviors including alcoholism, antisocial personality, and impulsivity (Contini et al 2006;Williams et al 2009). Of the dopamine receptors, the DRD 2 is a primary binding target of typical antipsychotics (Klewe et al 2008).…”

Social Deficits and Perseverative Behaviors, but not Overt Aggression, in MAO-A Hypomorphic Mice

“…Notably, total congenital deficiency of MAO-A results in Brunner syndrome, a rare X-linked recessive disorder chacterized by aggressive conduct and criminal acts (such as armed violence, rape, and arson) in the affected males (Brunner et al, 1993). Allelic variants of MAO-A polymorphisms associated to low enzymatic activity are not inherently conducive to aggressive or violent behavior (Alia-Klein et al, 2008; Caspi et al, 2002;Kim-Cohen et al, 2006), but are nevertheless associated with alterations in the processing of emotional and social inputs (Lee and Ham, 2008;Williams et al, 2009), and a significantly higher risk for antisocial personality disorder in male carriers Caspi et al, 2002;Meyer-Lindenberg et al, 2006;Oreland et al, 2007).…”