Evidence that the methylation state of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene predicts brain activity of MAO A enzyme in healthy men

摘要: Human brain function is mediated by biochemical processes, many of which can be visualized and quantified positron emission tomography (PET). PET imaging monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)—an enzyme metabolizing neurotransmitters—revealed that MAOA levels vary widely between healthy men this variability was not explained the common genotype (VNTR genotype), suggesting environmental factors, through epigenetic modifications, may mediate it. Here, we analyzed methylation in white blood cells (by bisulphite conversion genomic DNA subsequent sequencing cloned products) measured (using [11C]clorgyline, a radiotracer with specificity for MAOA) 34 non-smoking male volunteers. We found significant interindividual differences status patterns core promoter. The VNTR did influence gene or activity. In contrast, robust association regional CpG site-specific promoter levels. These results suggest (detected cells) reliably predict endophenotype. Therefore, observed males merits consideration as variable contributing to behavior.