Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

International Handbook of Anger pp 27–37Cite as

Population and Molecular Genetics of Anger and Aggression: Current State of the Art

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

Twin and adoption studies have demonstrated that about half of the variance in the aggression–hostility–anger (AHA) syndrome can be accounted for by genes. This strong heritability gives rise to the question which genes influence this facet of our personality that determines the proclivity for being aggressive or angry. Due to revolutionary progress in the field of molecular genetics over the last years first candidate genes for AHA have been identified. This chapter gives a short introduction in population and molecular genetics of anger and aggression. The most influential findings are reviewed. It becomes apparent that besides variations on genes coding for gonadal hormones, polymorphisms of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter genes seem to be more relevant. Future perspectives in molecular genetic research are discussed that will help to unravel the genetic underpinnings of anger and aggression.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   229.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   299.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Asberg, M., & Traskman, L. (1981). Studies of CSF 5-HIAA in depression and suicidal behaviour. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 133, 739–752.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beitchman, J. H., Baldassarra, L., Mik, H., De Luca, V., King, N., Bender, D., et al. (2006). Serotonin transporter polymorphisms and persistent, pervasive childhood aggression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163, 1103–1105.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bergman, A., Karlsson, P., Berggren, J., Martinsson, T., Bjorck, K., Nilsson, S., et al. (2007). Genome-wide linkage scan for breast cancer susceptibility loci in Swedish hereditary non-BRCA1/2 families: Suggestive linkage to 10q23.32-q25.3. Genes Chromosomes and Cancer, 46, 302–309.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bioulac, B., Benezech, M., Renaud, B., Roche, D., & Noel, B. (1978). Biogenic amines in 47, XYY syndrome. Neuropsychobiology, 4, 366–370.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bouchard, T. J., Jr. (1994). Genes, environment, and personality. Science, 264, 1700–1701.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, G. L., Goodwin, F. K., Ballenger, J. C., Goyer, P. F., & Major, L. F. (1979). Aggression in humans correlates with cerebrospinal fluid amine metabolites. Psychiatry Research, 1, 131–139.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bulayeva, K. B., Glatt, S. J., Bulayev, O. A., Pavlova, T. A., & Tsuang, M. T. (2007). Genome-wide linkage scan of schizophrenia: A cross-isolate study. Genomics, 89, 167–177.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buss, A. H., & Durkee, A. (1957). An inventory for assessing different kinds of hostility. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21, 343–349.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coccaro, E. F., Bergeman, C. S., Kavoussi, R. J., & Seroczynski, A. D. (1997). Heritability of aggression and irritability: A twin study of the Buss–Durkee aggression scales in adult male subjects. Biological Psychiatry, 41, 273–284.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coccaro, E. F., Bergeman, C. S., & McClearn, G. E. (1993). Heritability of irritable impulsiveness: A study of twins reared together and apart. Psychiatry Research, 48, 229–242.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Comings, D. E., Johnson, J. P., Gonzalez, N. S., Huss, M., Saucier, G., McGue, M., et al. (2000). Association between the adrenergic alpha 2A receptor gene (ADRA2A) and measures of irritability, hostility, impulsivity and memory in normal subjects. Psychiatric Genetics, 10, 39–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Contini, V., Marques, F. Z., Garcia, C. E., Hutz, M. H., & Bau, C. H. (2006). MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism in a Brazilian sample: Further support for the association with impulsive behaviors and alcohol dependence. American Journal of Medical Genetics B Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 141, 305–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ducci, F., Newman, T. K., Funt, S., Brown, G. L., Virkkunen, M., & Goldman, D. (2006). A functional polymorphism in the MAOA gene promoter (MAOA-LPR) predicts central dopamine function and body mass index. Molecular Psychiatry, 11, 858–866.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frankle, W. G., Lombardo, I., New, A. S., Goodman, M., Talbot, P. S., Huang, Y., et al. (2005). Brain serotonin transporter distribution in subjects with impulsive aggressivity: A positron emission study with [11C]McN 5652. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162, 915–923.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gatewood, J. D., Wills, A., Shetty, S., Xu, J., Arnold, A. P., Burgoyne, P. S., et al. (2006). Sex chromosome complement and gonadal sex influence aggressive and parental behaviors in mice. Journal of Neuroscience, 26, 2335–2342.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gerra, G., Garofano, L., Bosari, S., Pellegrini, C., Zaimovic, A., Moi, G., & et al. (2004). Analysis of monoamineoxidase A (MAO-A) promoter polymorphism in male heroin-dependent subjects:behavioural and personality correlates. Journal of Neural Transmission. 111, 611–621.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerra, G., Garofano, L., Castaldini, L., Rovetto, F., Zaimovic, A., Moi, G., et al. (2005). Serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism genotype is associated with temperament, personality traits and illegal drugs use among adolescents. Journal of Neural Transmission, 112, 1397–1410.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, B. D., Tolliver, T. J., Huang, S. J., Li, Q., Bengel, D., & Murphy, D. L. (1999). Genetic variation in the serotonin transporter promoter region affects serotonin uptake in human blood platelets. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 88, 83–87.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haberstick, B. C., Smolen, A., & Hewitt, J. K. (2006). Family-based association test of the 5HTTLPR and aggressive behavior in a general population sample of children. Biological Psychiatry, 59, 836–843.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Han, D. H., Kee, B. S., Min, K. J., Lee, Y. S., Na, C., Park, D. B., et al. (2006). Effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism on the cognitive stability and aggression in the first-onset schizophrenic patients. NeuroReport, 17, 95–99.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Han, D. H., Park, D. B., Na, C., Kee, B. S., & Lee, Y. S. (2004). Association of aggressive behavior in Korean male schizophrenic patients with polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter promoter and catecholamine-O-methyltransferase genes. Psychiatry Research, 129, 29–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hebebrand, J., Dempfle, A., Saar, K., Thiele, H., Herpertz-Dahlmann, B., Linder, M., et al. (2006). A genome-wide scan for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 155 German sib-pairs. Molecular Psychiatry, 11, 196–205.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hennig, J., Reuter, M., Netter, P., Burk, C., & Landt, O. (2005). Two types of aggression are differentially related to serotonergic activity and the A779C TPH polymorphism. Behavioral Neuroscience, 119, 16–25.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, G., Zammit, S., Norton, N., Hamshere, M. L., Jones, S. J., Milham, C., et al. (2001). Aggressive behaviour in patients with schizophrenia is associated with catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype. British Journal of Psychiatry, 179, 351–355.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jönsson, E. G., Goldman, D., Spurlock, G., Gustavsson, J. P., Nielsen, D. A., Linnoila, M., Owen, M. J., & Sedvall, G. C. (1997). Tryptophan hydroxylase and catechol-O-methyltransferase gene polymorphisms: relationships to monoamine metabolite concentrations in CSF of healthy volunteers. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 247, 297–302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson, E. G., von Gertten, C., Gustavsson, J. P., Yuan, Q. P., Lindblad-Toh, K., Forslund, K., et al. (2001). Androgen receptor trinucleotide repeat polymorphism and personality traits. Psychiatric Genetics, 11, 19–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lachman, H. M., Nolan, K. A., Mohr, P., Saito, T., & Volavka, J. (1998). Association between catechol O-methyltransferase genotype and violence in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155, 835–837.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lachman, H. M., Papolos, D. F., Saito, T., Yu, Y. M., Szumlanski, C. L., & Weinshilboum, R. M. (1996). Human catechol-O-methyltransferase pharmacogenetics: Description of a functional polymorphism and its potential application to neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacogenetics, 6, 243–250.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lesch, K. P., Bengel, D., Heils, A., Sabol, S. Z., Greenberg, B. D., & Petri, S., (1996). Association of anxiety-related traits with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene regulatory region. Science, 274, 1527–1531.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loehlin, J. C., Jonsson, E. G., Gustavsson, J. P., Schalling, M., & Stallings, M. C. (2003). The androgen receptor gene and psychological traits: Are results consistent in Sweden and Australia? Twin Research, 6, 201–208.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mann, J. J., Malone, K. M., Nielsen, D. A., Goldman, D., Erdos, J., & Gelernter, J. (1997). Possible association of a polymorphism of the tryptophan hydroxylase gene with suicidal behavior in depressed patients. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154, 1451–1453.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manuck, S. B., Flory, J. D., Ferrell, R. E., Dent, K. M., Mann, J. J., & Muldoon, M. F. (1999). Aggression and anger-related traits associated with a polymorphism of the tryptophan hydroxylase gene. Biological Psychiatry, 45, 603–614.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Manuck, S. B., Flory, J. D., Ferrell, R. E., Mann, J. J., & Muldoon, M. F. (2000). A regulatory polymorphism of the monoamine oxidase-A gene may be associated with variability in aggression, impulsivity, and central nervous system serotonergic responsivity. Psychiatry Research, 95, 9–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCrae, R. R., Costa, P. T., Jr., Pedroso de Lima, M., Simoes, A., Ostendorf, F., Angleitner, A., et al. (1999). Age differences in personality across the adult life span: Parallels in five cultures. Developmental Psychology, 35, 466–477.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • New, A. S., Gelernter, J., Yovell, Y., Trestman, R. L., Nielsen, D. A., Silverman, J., et al. (1998). Tryptophan hydroxylase genotype is associated with impulsive-aggression measures: A preliminary study. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 81, 13–17.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, D. A., Goldman, D., Virkkunen, M., Tokola, R., Rawlings, R., & Linnoila, M. (1994). Suicidality and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentration associated with a tryptophan hydroxylase polymorphism. Archives of General Psychiatry, 51, 34–38.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, D. A., Virkkunen, M., Lappalainen, J., Eggert, M., Brown, G. L., Long, J. C., et al. (1998). A tryptophan hydroxylase gene marker for suicidality and alcoholism. Archives of General Psychiatry, 55, 593–602.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nolan, K. A., Volavka, J., Lachman, H. M., & Saito, T. (2000). An association between a polymorphism of the tryptophan hydroxylase gene and aggression in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Psychiatric Genetics, 10, 109–115.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nomura, M., Andersson, S., Korach, K. S., Gustafsson, J. A., Pfaff, D. W., & Ogawa, S. (2006). Estrogen receptor-beta gene disruption potentiates estrogen-inducible aggression but not sexual behaviour in male mice. European Journal of Neuroscience, 23, 1860–1868.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pillai, S. G., Chiano, M. N., White, N. J., Speer, M., Barnes, K. C., Carlsen, K., et al. (2006). A genome-wide search for linkage to asthma phenotypes in the genetics of asthma international network families: Evidence for a major susceptibility locus on chromosome 2p. European Journal of Human Genetics, 14, 307–316.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reuter, M., & Hennig, J. (2005a). Pleiotropic effect of the TPH A779C polymorphism on nicotine dependence and personality. American Journal of Medical Genetics B Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 134, 20–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reuter, M., & Hennig, J. (2005b). Association of the functional catechol-O-methyltransferase VAL158MET polymorphism with the personality trait of extraversion. NeuroReport, 16, 1135–1138.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robins, D. M. (2005). Androgen receptor and molecular mechanisms of male-specific gene expression. Novartis Foundation Symposium, 268, 42–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rujescu, D., Giegling, I., Bondy, B., Gietl, A., Zill, P., & Moller, H. J. (2002). Association of anger-related traits with SNPs in the TPH gene. Molecular Psychiatry, 7, 1023–1029.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rujescu, D., Giegling, I., Gietl, A., Hartmann, A. M., & Moller, H. J. (2003). A functional single nucleotide polymorphism (V158M) in the COMT gene is associated with aggressive personality traits. Biological Psychiatry, 54, 34–39.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rujescu, D., Giegling, I., Sato, T., Hartmann, A. M., & Moller, H. J. (2003). Genetic variations in tryptophan hydroxylase in suicidal behavior: Analysis and meta-analysis. Biological Psychiatry, 54, 465–473.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sakai, J. T., Young, S. E., Stallings, M. C., Timberlake, D., Smolen, A., Stetler, G. L., et al. (2006). Case-control and within-family tests for an association between conduct disorder and 5HTTLPR. American Journal of Medical Genetics B Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 141, 825–832.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sapolsky, R. M. (1991). Testicular function, social rank and personality among wild baboons. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 16, 281–293.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Setchell, J. M., & Dixson, A. F. (2001). Changes in the secondary sexual adornments of male mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are associated with gain and loss of alpha status. Hormones & Behavior, 39, 177–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shih, J. C. (2004). Cloning, after cloning, knock-out mice, and physiological functions of MAO A and B. Neurotoxicology, 25, 21–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smyth, D. J., Cooper, J. D., Bailey, R., Field, S., Burren, O., Smink, L. J., et al. (2006). A genome-wide association study of nonsynonymous SNPs identifies a type 1 diabetes locus in the interferon-induced helicase (IFIH1) region. Nature Genetics, 38, 617–619.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Staner, L., Uyanik, G., Correa, H., Tremeau, F., Monreal, J., Crocq, M. A., et al. (2002). A dimensional impulsive-aggressive phenotype is associated with the A218C polymorphism of the tryptophan hydroxylase gene: A pilot study in well-characterized impulsive inpatients. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 114, 553–557.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strous, R. D., Bark, N., Parsia, S. S., Volavka, J., & Lachman, H. M. (1997). Analysis of a functional catechol-O-methyltransferase gene polymorphism in schizophrenia: Evidence for association with aggressive and antisocial behavior. Psychiatry Research, 69, 71–77.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strous, R. D., Nolan, K. A., Lapidus, R., Diaz, L., Saito, T., & Lachman, H. M. (2003). Aggressive behavior in schizophrenia is associated with the low enzyme activity COMT polymorphism: A replication study. American Journal of Medical Genetics B Neuropsychiatric Genetics, 120, 29–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trainor, B. C., Greiwe, K. M., & Nelson, R. J. (2006). Individual differences in estrogen receptor alpha in select brain nuclei are associated with individual differences in aggression. Hormones and Behavior, 50, 338–345.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tsai, S. J., Wang, Y. C., Chen J. Y., & Hong, C. J. (2003). Allelic variants of the tryptophan hydroxylase (A218C) and serotonin 1B receptor (A-161T) and personality traits. Neuropsychobiology, 48, 68–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Volavka, J., Bilder, R., & Nolan, K. (2004). Catecholamines and aggression: The role of COMT and MAO polymorphisms. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1036, 393–398.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Westberg, L., Melke, J., Landen, M., Nilsson, S., Baghaei, F., Rosmond, R., et al. (2003). Association between a dinucleotide repeat polymorphism of the estrogen receptor alpha gene and personality traits in women. Molecular Psychiatry, 8, 118–122.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Widom, C. S., & Brzustowicz, L. M. (2006). MAOA and the “cycle of violence:” Childhood abuse and neglect, MAOA genotype, and risk for violent and antisocial behavior. Biological Psychiatry, 60, 684–689.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zuckerman, M. (1984). Sensation seeking: A comparative approach to a human trait. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 7, 413–471.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    Martin Reuter

Authors
  1. Martin Reuter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martin Reuter .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Pediatrics, Div. Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Delaware St. SE., 420, Minneapolis, 55455, Minnesota, USA

    Michael Potegal

  2. FB Psychologie, Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, Marburg, 35032, Germany

    Gerhard Stemmler

  3. University of South Florida, 7th Ave. South 140, St. Petersburg, 33701, Florida, USA

    Charles Spielberger

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Reuter, M. (2010). Population and Molecular Genetics of Anger and Aggression: Current State of the Art. In: Potegal, M., Stemmler, G., Spielberger, C. (eds) International Handbook of Anger. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89676-2_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation