Association study of dopamine receptor D-2 TaqI A polymorphism and reward-related personality traits in healthy Korean young females

Abstract

Background: Genetic factors make a significant contribution to the determination of human personality traits. We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between dopamine receptor D-2 (DRD2) TaqI A polymorphism and the reward-related personality traits as measured by the Carver and White Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Approach System (BIS/BAS) scales and Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Methods: The sample consisted of 267 female healthy Korean unrelated university students (age: 23.12 +/- 3.22 years) and they filled out the BIS/BAS scales and the TCI. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood and genotyped with the fluorescence polarization detection method. The effect of the independent variables ( DRD2 genotypes) on the dependent variables were analyzed by multivariate and subsequent univariate ANOVA. Results: We found significant associations between the A1 allele of the DRD2 TaqI A polymorphism and a high BAS-RR score ( reward responsiveness). No significant association was observed between DRD2 polymorphisms and other factors of the BIS/BAS scales and TCI. Conclusion: These findings suggest the notion that DRD2 TaqI A polymorphism contributes to high reward sensitivity, which measures anticipation and positive response towards reward.