COMT and ANKK1 Genetics Interact With Depression to Influence Behavior Following Severe TBI An Initial Assessment

Objective. Genetic variations in the dopamine (DA) system are associated with cortical-striatal behavior in multiple populations. This study assessed associations of functional polymorphisms in the ankyrin repeat and kinase domain (ANKK1; Taq1a) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; Val158Met) genes with behavioral dysfunction following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants. This was a prospective study of 90 survivors of severe TBI recruited from a level 1 trauma center. Main measures. The Frontal Systems Behavior Scale, a self- or family report questionnaire evaluating behavior associated with frontal lobe dysfunction, was completed 6 and 12 months postinjury. Depression was measured concurrently with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Study participants were genotyped for Val158Met and Taq1a polymorphisms. Results. No statistically significant behavioral differences were observed by Taq1a or Val158Met genotype alone. At 12 months, among those with depression, Met homozygotes (Val158Met) self-re...