A Gene that Magnifies the Pain of Getting Bullied

A new study finds that bullied children who have inherited a gene sequence called the 5-HTT short alele--a stress-related gene that codes for seratonin transport and is associated with low seratonin levels in the brain--develop the most emotional problems from bullying. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and social withdrawal appeared most often in regularly bullied kids with two copies of a short version of the 5-HTT gene, says a team led by psychologist Karen Sugden of Duke University in Durham, NC. One-third of bullied children who had two short copies of the gene displayed emotional problems severe enough to merit mental health treatment. In another study, Stanford University researchers found that teenage girls who were socially excluded or lied about by peers showed more signs of depression if they had two copies of the short 5-HTT gene. 

This is not the first time researchers have found traits of concern in connection with this particular sequence of short aleles. (An alele is a form of the DNA sequence of a particular gene that sets a genetic trait like eye color, hair color and even stress coping styles: researchers commonly divide the gene sequence into two variations, short and long, but there can be multiple variations.) Previous research links greater risk of depression after stressful events, alcoholism, obesity, methamphetine addiction and even suicide to one or two short aleles in the 5-HTT region of the seratonin transport gene known as SLC6A4. (Could scientists be required to take poetry so they can better name stuff?)

An underlying genetic vulnerability to stress makes sense in light of recent events in which we've seen some young people crack more easily from cyber-bullying than others. And it gives counselors ample justification to intervene early when signs of sensitivity to bullying emerge. The short alele genetic trait's association with lower seratonin levels in the brain provides a therapeutic target. For example, the supplement SAMe provides more of the raw material for making seratonin, and can increase seratonin levels in the brain. Regular exercise has also been shown to up seratonin levels, and other studies have identified the alkaloids in chocolate as seratonin boosters.  

Read the Science News article.