Dopamine Transporter Gene and Body Mass Index
Author Information
Author(s): Azzato Elizabeth M, Morton Lindsay M, Bergen Andrew W, Wang Sophia S, Chatterjee Nilanjan, Kvale Paul, Yeager Meredith, Hayes Richard B, Chanock Stephen J, Caporaso Neil E
Primary Institution: Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, Rockville, Maryland, USA
Hypothesis
The study investigates the association between polymorphisms at the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) and body mass index (BMI).
Conclusion
The study found that genetic variation at the dopamine transporter gene, SLC6A3, influences BMI, with certain alleles being associated with lower obesity risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Obese individuals were less likely to possess the 3' VNTR variant allele with 9 copies of the repeated sequence.
- The study found a dose-dependent relationship between SLC6A3 genotypes and BMI.
- Individuals with the haplotype containing the 3' variant allele were less likely to be obese.
- The results were consistent for analyses at age 50.
Takeaway
This study shows that some people might be less likely to be overweight because of their genes, specifically a gene that helps control a brain chemical called dopamine.
Methodology
The study genotyped four polymorphisms at the SLC6A3 gene in participants and analyzed their BMI using conditional logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting of BMI may lead to underreporting or overreporting, affecting the accuracy of the results.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported height and weight, which may introduce misclassification bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 55-74, with a mix of genders and ethnicities, primarily Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.65–0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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