Keywords: genetic polymorphisms, neurotransmitters, monoamine receptors, infant attachment, temperament

Keywords: genetic polymorphisms, neurotransmitters, monoamine receptors, infant attachment, temperament

SUMMARY

The longitudinal Budapest Infant-Parent Study (BIPS) which has been following the development of early attachment from birth is extended by investigation of genetic factors that are supposed to affect infant behaviour, both temperament and attachment. Using molecular genetic methodology, we are studying separate and combined influences of the polimorphic variants of the D4 dopamine receptor and the serotonin transporter genes on infant behaviour. Genotyping family members allows the analysis of sibling similarities and differences of temperament and attachment in the two-children families, and the study of interactions of genetic factors, temperament and parental behaviour in the whole sample.

Important aims of the project:

  1. Identifying the exon III repeat variant of the D4 dopamine receptor gene in the participating parents and children of the BIPS families. (We have previously shown that this polymorphism affects infant attachment.)
  2. Investigating and identifying genotypes of further polymorphisms (-521 C/T promoter polymorphism of the D4 dopamine receptor gene and a repeat polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene) supposed to influence early attachment as well.
  3. Studying environmental factors (caregiving behaviour, family functioning, life events and difficulties) supposedly affecting infant attachment.