Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) and Deviant Peer Affiliation: A Gene–Environment Interaction in Adolescent Antisocial Behavior

The other-race face recognition deficit is a robust finding in the literature on facial processing in humans. Although previous models of the other-race effect have proposed the role of experience and interracial contact, genetics have not been examined in the context of other-race face recognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene-environment interaction between early caregiving experience and oxytocin receptor gene genotypes with other-race face recognition in adults. Eighty-nineSingaporean adults gave information on their early caregiving experiences with own- and other-race caregivers and genotyping of their oxytocin receptor gene (rs53576) was also conducted. Participants completed a visual categorization task where they identified the race of a face (Chinese or Javanese) and their categorization response time was measured. A significant main effect of early caregiving experience was found where reaction time was significantly slower in individuals with no other-racecaregiving experience than individuals with other-race caregiving experience. In addition, only non-G carriers of rs53576 without other-race caregiving experience had a significantly slower reaction time compared to non-G carriers with other-race caregivers. This was not observed in G carriers, indicating a gene-environment interaction. These results highlight the role of early interracial contact on other-race face recognition and its interaction with genetics. Future studies can employ a longitudinaldesign for further insight into this gene-environment interaction across development.

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Prosocial peer affiliation suppresses genetic influences on non-aggressive antisocial behaviors during childhood

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291713000974 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (4) ◽

pp. 821-830 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

S. A. Burt ◽

K. L. Klump

Keyword(s):

Antisocial Behavior ◽

Genetic Risk ◽

Genetic Influences ◽

Michigan State University ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

State University ◽

Antisocial Behaviors ◽

Deviant Peer Affiliation ◽

Peer Affiliation ◽

Gene Environment

BackgroundAvailable research has suggested that affiliation with prosocial peers reduces child and adolescent antisocial behavior. However, the etiologic mechanisms driving this association remain unclear. The current study sought to evaluate whether this association takes the form of a gene–environment interaction (G × E) in which prosocial peer affiliation acts to reduce the consequences of genetic risk for non-aggressive antisocial behavior during childhood.MethodOur sample consisted of 500 twin pairs aged 6–10 years from the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR).ResultsThe results robustly support moderation by prosocial peer affiliation. Genetic influences on non-aggressive antisocial behavior were observed to be several times larger in those with lower levels of prosocial peer affiliation than in those with higher levels of prosocial peer affiliation. This pattern of results persisted even after controlling for gene–environment correlations and deviant peer affiliation, and when restricting our analyses to those twins who shared all or nearly all of their friends.ConclusionsSuch findings not only suggest that prosocial peer affiliation moderates genetic influences on non-aggressive antisocial behaviors during childhood but also provide support for the theoretical notion that protective environmental experiences may exert their influence by promoting resilience to genetic risk.

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Antisocial peer affiliation and externalizing disorders: Evidence for Gene × Environment × Development interaction

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579416000109 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 155-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Diana R. Samek ◽

Brian M. Hicks ◽

Margaret A. Keyes ◽

William G. Iacono ◽

Matt McGue

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Antisocial Behavior ◽

Substance Use Disorders ◽

Critical Period ◽

Externalizing Disorders ◽

Childhood And Adolescence ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Peer Affiliation ◽

Gene Environment Interaction ◽

Gene Environment

AbstractGene × Environment interaction contributes to externalizing disorders in childhood and adolescence, but little is known about whether such effects are long lasting or present in adulthood. We examined gene–environment interplay in the concurrent and prospective associations between antisocial peer affiliation and externalizing disorders (antisocial behavior and substance use disorders) at ages 17, 20, 24, and 29. The sample included 1,382 same-sex twin pairs participating in the Minnesota Twin Family Study. We detected a Gene × Environment interaction at age 17, such that additive genetic influences on antisocial behavior and substance use disorders were greater in the context of greater antisocial peer affiliation. This Gene × Environment interaction was not present for antisocial behavior symptoms after age 17, but it was for substance use disorder symptoms through age 29 (though effect sizes were largest at age 17). The results suggest adolescence is a critical period for the development of externalizing disorders wherein exposure to greater environmental adversity is associated with a greater expression of genetic risk. This form of Gene × Environment interaction may persist through young adulthood for substance use disorders, but it appears to be limited to adolescence for antisocial behavior.

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Social stress and the oxytocin receptor gene interact to predict antisocial behavior in an at-risk cohort

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579414000649 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 309-318 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Erica L. Smearman ◽

D. Anne Winiarski ◽

Patricia A. Brennan ◽

Jake Najman ◽

Katrina C. Johnson

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation Modeling ◽

Antisocial Behavior ◽

Social Stress ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene

AbstractPolymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor gene are commonly associated with prosocial behaviors in the extant literature, yet their role in antisocial behaviors has rarely been explored, particularly during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood. We examined a prospective cohort (N = 404), collecting youth, mother, and clinician reports of conduct-disordered and antisocial behavior at ages 15 and 20. The oxytocin receptor gene rs53576 polymorphism was hypothesized to interact with social stress to predict antisocial outcomes. Structural equation modeling results revealed a significant main effect at age 15 (p = .025); those with the G allele exhibited higher levels of conduct problems. Structural equation modeling revealed a significant Gene × Environment interaction at age 20 (p = .029); those with the G allele who experienced high social stress exhibited higher levels of antisocial behavior. Heterozygous (AG) grouping models were compared, and parameter estimations supported G dominant groupings. These novel findings suggest that rs53576 polymorphisms may influence social salience and contribute to risk for antisocial outcomes, particularly under conditions of high social stress.

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Gene-environment interactions in face categorisation: experience with a nanny and oxytocin receptor genotype interact to reduce face categorization reaction times

10.1101/2020.12.17.423340 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Jin Yee Neoh ◽

Peipei Setoh ◽

Andrea Bizzego ◽

Moses Tandiono ◽

Jia Nee Foo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Critical Role ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Genetic Group ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Indirect Pathway ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene ◽

Face Categorization ◽

Gene Environment

AbstractHuman faces are relevant stimuli that capture attention, provide information about group belonging and elicit automatic prepared responses. While early experiences with other race faces plays a critical role in acquiring face expertise, the exact mechanism through which it exerts its influence is still to be elucidated. In particular, the influence of genetic factors and the role of a multi-ethnic context has not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate how caregiving experiences with nannies and oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) genotypes interact in regulating other-race categorisation mechanisms in adults. Information about single nucleotide polymorphisms of the OXTR (rs53576) and experiences with own- and other-race nannies was collected from 89 Singaporean adults, who completed a visual categorization task of face stimuli (Chinese or Javanese). Participants were grouped into A/A homozygotes and G-carriers and assigned a score to account for the type of nanny experience. A General Linear Model was used to estimate the effect of nanny experience, genetic group and their interaction on categorization reaction time. A significant main effect of the nanny experience (p<.001) and of the interaction between genetic group and experience (p=.008) was found. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between nanny experience and reaction time for A/A homozygotes (r=−0.52, p<.001) but no significant correlation for G-carriers. In summary, a significant gene-environment interaction on face categorization was found. This finding appears to represent an indirect pathway through which genes and experiences interact to shape mature social sensitivity in human adults.HighlightsEarly nanny experience interacts with oxytocin receptor genotype in affecting the speed of face categorisation.Individuals with other-race nanny experience show faster categorisation response times. Gene-environment interactions are present in face categorisation.

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The relation between Oxytocin Receptor Gene polymorphisms, adult attachment and Instagram sociability: an exploratory analysis

10.31234/osf.io/yc538 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alessandro Carollo ◽

Andrea Bonassi ◽

Ilaria Cataldo ◽

Giulio Gabrieli ◽

Moses Tandiono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Behavior ◽

Adult Attachment ◽

Behavioral Genetics ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Receptor Gene Polymorphisms ◽

Oxtr Rs53576 ◽

Desirability Index

So far literature considered the association between environmental factors (i.e. involved in adult relationships) and genetic vulnerability on Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) in the comprehension of social behavior. Although an extensive knowledge on in-person social interactions has been obtained, little is known about online social behavior. A gene-environment perspective is adopted to examine how OXTR and adult attachment moderate Instagram behavior. The Experience in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire was used to collect participants' (N = 57, 16 males) attachment with their partners. The genetic factors within the regions OXTR rs53576 (A/A homozygotes vs. G-carriers) and rs2254298 (G/G homozygotes vs. A-carriers) were assessed. Number of posts, followed people ("followings") and followers were obtained from Instagram, and the Social Desirability Index was calculated as the ratio of followers to followings. Interaction effects between OXTR groups and ECR-R scores on the number of posts and SDI were hypothesised. Results showed an effect of rs53576 on the number of Instagram followings. Specifically, A/A homozygotes had more followings than G-carriers independently of the quality of the relationship with their partner. These preliminary results are discussed in light of the debate of behavioral genetics and offer insights into future investigations on social media behavior.

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The Association of Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) Polymorphisms Antisocial Behavior: A Meta-analysis

Behavior Genetics ◽

10.1007/s10519-020-09996-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 161-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Holly E. Poore ◽

Irwin D. Waldman

Keyword(s):

Antisocial Behavior ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene

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Life stress, the dopamine receptor gene, and emerging adult drug use trajectories: A longitudinal, multilevel, mediated moderation analysis

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579412000466 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 941-951 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Gene H. Brody ◽

Yi-Fu Chen ◽

Tianyi Yu ◽

Steven R. H. Beach ◽

Steven M. Kogan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Use ◽

Emerging Adults ◽

Dopamine Receptor ◽

Life Stress ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Saliva Sample ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Gene Environment Interaction ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Status Interaction

AbstractThis study was designed to examine the prospective relations of life stress and genetic status with increases in drug use. African Americans (N = 399) in rural Georgia (Wave 1 mean age = 17 years) provided three waves of data across 27.5 months and a saliva sample from which the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene was genotyped. Multilevel growth curve modeling analysis indicated that emerging adults manifested the highest escalations in drug use when they reported high life stress and carried an allele of DRD4 with 7 or more repeats (7 + R allele). In addition, emerging adults who reported high life stress and carried the 7 + R allele evinced the largest increases in two proximal risk factors for drug use: affiliations with drug-using companions and drug use vulnerability cognitions. Furthermore, when the Gene × Environment interaction effects on the increases in affiliations with drug-using companions and vulnerability cognitions were entered into the model forecasting drug use, the Life Stress × DRD4 Status interaction on drug use became nonsignificant in the presence of the risk mechanisms. This finding provides an example of “second generation” Gene × Environment interaction research in which the interaction's effects on proximal risk mechanisms account for its effects on outcomes.

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