Association of polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor gene with anxiety-related traits in children and adolescents: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Anxiety problems and associated temperamental traits are multifactorial, determined by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic effects may involve both neurotransmitters and hormones. A good candidate gene for association with anxiety-related traits is the estrogen receptor (ESRα). Estrogen exerts an effect on mood and behavior in humans through gene regulation on binding to estrogen receptor protein. Association between ESRα polymorphism and anxiety-related traits was investigated in a cohort of 680 Australian adolescents studied from 4-8 months to 15-16 years of age. Genotype frequencies were estimated for polymorphic PvuII and XbaI restriction sites in intron 1 and a..