Gene x environment effect of serotonin transporter genotype and acute stressor on amygdala gene expression

The amygdala is a prominent region of the brain processing stress-related emotion and vigilance. Additionally it is known that the serotonergic system is strongly involved in stress response and adaptation. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) as key regulator of serotonergic activity in the brain is associated with stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders as well as heightened trait anxiety/dysphoria and exaggerated response to fear and environmental stress in humans. Also 5-HTT knockout mice display increased anxiety- and depression-related behaviors, altered stress reactivity and stress-coping abilities, gene expression differences and altered dendritic morphology.

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Hohoff C, Gorji A, Kaiser S, Willscher E, Korsching E, Ambrée O, Arolt V, Lesch KP, Sachser N, Deckert J, Lewejohann L