Interactive effects of OXTR and GAD1 on envy-associated behaviors and neural responses

PLoS One. 2019 Jan 11;14(1):e0210493. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210493. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Inequity aversion (negative feelings induced by outcome differences between the self and other) plays a key role in human social behaviors. The neurotransmitters oxytocin and GABA have been implicated in neural responses to inequity. However, it remains poorly understood not only how individual genetic factors related to oxytocin and GABA affect the neural mechanisms behind inequity aversion, but also how these genes interact. To address these issues, we examined relationships between genotypes, behavioral decisions and brain activities during the ultimatum game. We identified interactive effects between the polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and glutamate decarboxylase 1 gene for GABA synthesis (GAD1) on envy aversion (i.e., disadvantageous inequity aversion) and on envy-induced activity in the dorsal ACC (dACC). Thus, our integrated approach suggested interactive genetic effects between OXTR and GAD1 on envy aversion and the underlying neural substrates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Decision Making
  • Epistasis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Jealousy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / genetics*
  • Social Behavior
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • OXTR protein, human
  • Receptors, Oxytocin
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase
  • glutamate decarboxylase 1

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Center of innovation at Osaka University, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Reserch (KAKENHI)(17H06314 and 26242087) and JST AIP-PRISM (JPMJCR18ZR). These funders had roles in data collection, analysis, and preparation of manuscripts.