Deletion variant of α2b-adrenergic receptor gene moderates the effect of COMT val¹⁵⁸met polymorphism on episodic memory performance

Abstract 

The COMT val¹⁵⁸ variant has been associated with impaired cognitive function compared to the met¹⁵⁸ variant yet gene–gene interactions are not well described. In this study we demonstrate an interaction between this COMT polymorphism and a deletion variant of ADRA2B, the gene encoding the α2b-adrenergic receptor on episodic memory performance. Specifically, carriage of the ADRA2B deletion abolished the relative memory impairment in homozygous COMT val¹⁵⁸ carriers compared to met¹⁵⁸ carriers.

Keywords: Genetics, Emotional memory, Episodic memory, COMT, ADRA2B, Catecholamines, Noradrenaline