Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a model system for examining gene by environment interactions across development

Abstract There has been a dramatic rise in gene×environment studies of human behavior over the past decade that have moved the field beyond simple nature versus nurture debates. These studies offer promise in accounting for more variability in behavioral and biological phenotypes than studies that f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuroscience 2009-11, Vol.164 (1), p.108-120
Main Authors: Casey, B.J, Glatt, C.E, Tottenham, N, Soliman, F, Bath, K, Amso, D, Altemus, M, Pattwell, S, Jones, R, Levita, L, McEwen, B, Magariños, A.M, Gunnar, M, Thomas, K.M, Mezey, J, Clark, A.G, Hempstead, B.L, Lee, F.S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging - genetics
Animals
BDNF
Brain - growth & development
Brain - metabolism
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - genetics
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - metabolism
development
endophenotype
Environment
genetics
Human Development
Humans
Mice
Models, Genetic
neurodevelopment
Neurology
Phenotype
Polymorphism, Genetic
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Summary:Abstract There has been a dramatic rise in gene×environment studies of human behavior over the past decade that have moved the field beyond simple nature versus nurture debates. These studies offer promise in accounting for more variability in behavioral and biological phenotypes than studies that focus on genetic or experiential factors alone. They also provide clues into mechanisms of modifying genetic risk or resilience in neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet, it is rare that these studies consider how these interactions change over the course of development. In this paper, we describe research that focuses on the impact of a polymorphism in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, known to be involved in learning and development. Specifically we present findings that assess the effects of genotypic and environmental loadings on neuroanatomic and behavioral phenotypes across development. The findings illustrate the use of a genetic mouse model that mimics the human polymorphism, to constrain the interpretation of gene–environment interactions across development in humans.
ISSN:0306-4522
1873-7544
DOI:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.03.081