Citation

Hessl D, Tassone F, Cordeiro L, Koldewyn K, McCormick C, Green C, Wegelin J, Yuhas J, Hagerman RJ. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 2008; 38(1): 184-189.

Affiliation

Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California-Davis, Medical Center, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. david.hessl@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10803-007-0365-5

PMID

17340199

Abstract

Although fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a single gene disorder with a well-described phenotype, it is not known why some individuals develop more significant maladaptive behaviors such as aggression or autistic symptoms. Here, we studied two candidate genes known to affect mood and aggression, the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA-VNTR) polymorphisms, in 50 males with FXS ages 8-24 years. Mothers and fathers of participants reported the frequency and severity of aggressive/destructive, self-injurious, and stereotypic behaviors. Polymorphism genotypes were unrelated to age and IQ. Results showed a significant effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype on aggressive/destructive and stereotypic behavior; males with FXS who were homozygous for the high-transcribing long (L/L) genotype had the most aggressive and destructive behavior, and individuals homozygous for the short (S/S) genotype had the least aggression. Those with the L/L genotype also had the highest levels of stereotypic behavior. There was no effect of MAOA-VNTR on behavior; however those with the high-activity, 4-repeat genotype were more likely to be taking SSRI or SNRI medication. This preliminary study prompts consideration of secondary genes that may modify behavioral phenotype expression in neurodevelopmental disorders, even those with a single gene etiology such as FXS.

Language: en