Association analysis of 15 polymorphisms within 10 candidate genes for antisocial behavioural traits

This study sought to test 15 simple sequence repeat polymorphisms within 10 candidate genes for association with antisocial behavioural traits. Genes included were those known to regulate dopamine synthesis and transmission in the brain (DBH, DRD2, MAOA, TFAP2B, NR4A2, LMX1B) and those involved in the differentiation of social and sexual behaviour in men and women (AR, ESR1, OXTR, AVPR1A). Participants were Caucasians (men = 1007, women= 1089) aged 20-24 years who were assessed for indicators of antisocial traits such as pseudo-maturity, substance misuse and unstable lifestyle. Significant associations for antisocial traits were found with AR and ESR1 polymorphisms in men, and with polymorphisms within NR4A2 and TFAP2B in women. The association with TFAP2B remained significant after correction for multiple testing. This pattern of associations suggests that genetic variation within transcription factors may in part explain the variation observed in the population for antisocial behavioural phenotypes.