Bio : Genetics

Question 1

Researcher

Answer 1

Capsi et al

Question 2

Gene

Answer 2

5-HTT

Question 3

AIM

Answer 3

Whether 5-HTT alleles play a role in depressive disorder

Question 4

whats 5-HTT

Answer 4

serotonin transporter protein

Question 5

DESCRIBE

Answer 5

Participants: 847 New Zealanders at 26 years old
Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal, Mental health assessed every 2 years until age 21

5-HTT gene variation analysis at age 26:
Group 1: Two short alleles
Group 2: One short one long allele
Group 3: Two long alleles

Assessments at age 26:
Stressful life events questionnaire (ages 21-26)
Depression assessment

Question 6

CONCLUDE

Answer 6

People with one or more short alleles of the 5-HTT gene showed more depression symptoms and thoughts of suicide.
This effect was strongest for those experiencing three or more stressful life events.
Inheriting the short allele alone doesn’t cause depression.

study demonstrates that genes play a role in behavior