Genetics and Health

Serotonin Transporter Gene, Family Environment, and Depression

by Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD on October 10th, 2006

UCLA researchers have found that the short form of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) increases a person’s risk of depression but its influence is modulated by family environment.

• Among children from supportive, nurturing families, those with the short form of the serotonin transporter gene (known as 5-HTTLPR) had a significantly reduced risk for depression
• Among children from emotionally cold, unsupportive homes marked by conflict and anger, those with the short form of the 5-HTTLPR gene were at greater risk for depression

Makes sense until you take into account cultural differences and each family’s unique ways of interacting with one another. One extreme to
another. What about in between?

Dr. Shelley E. Taylor:

Genes are not destiny. Although some genes confer particular risks, others, such as variants of the 5-HTTLPR, are clearly highly responsive to input from the early and current environment. That means, among other conclusions, that there is an important role that parents and even friends can play in providing protection against the risk of depression that stress can confer.

Says something about this anxious mother that my first thought upon reading this quote was - “Gosh, just one more piece of ammunition for our kids to blame us for handing down bad genes AND bad parenting.”

UCLA News, October 1, 2006

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POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease