The Val66Met BDNF Polymorphism: A Link Among Impulsivity, Cognitive Flexibility and Substance Use
Disciplines
Biological Psychology | Cognitive Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Substance abuse is a growing epidemic, contributing to over 100,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2022. Identifying risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse is essential for developing prevention and treatment strategies. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neuronal protein crucial for the development and plasticity of neurons and mediates activities of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, GABA and serotonin. The Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene is single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the 66th codon of the BDFN gene where valine (Val) is substituted for a methionine (Met). This genetic variation is associated with decreased expression of the BDNF protein. Lower protein concentrations may manifest as problems with executive functioning. Executive function is comprised of a set of mental processes used by humans to accomplish goals, plan and execute tasks, think critically, and respond to situations. Both impulsivity and cognitive flexibility are executive functioning measures which are linked to the development of substance use disorders. Individuals struggle to shift behaviors even when the initial rewarding effects of substances diminish. We examined the relationship among the Val66Met SNP of the BDNF gene with impulsivity, cognitive flexibility and substance use. We collected saliva samples for DNA analysis and administered cognitive tasks to measure these cognitive behaviors. The Number Letter Task was used to measure cognitive flexibility, and a delayed discounting task measured impulsivity. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was also administered as our self-reported questionnaire to understand participants alcohol usage. We hypothesize the presence of the Met allele will display increased impulsivity and increased substance use.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Erica Holliday
Additional Faculty
Dr. Cody Mashburn, Psychological Science, cmashb10@kennesaw.edu
The Val66Met BDNF Polymorphism: A Link Among Impulsivity, Cognitive Flexibility and Substance Use
Substance abuse is a growing epidemic, contributing to over 100,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2022. Identifying risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse is essential for developing prevention and treatment strategies. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neuronal protein crucial for the development and plasticity of neurons and mediates activities of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, GABA and serotonin. The Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene is single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the 66th codon of the BDFN gene where valine (Val) is substituted for a methionine (Met). This genetic variation is associated with decreased expression of the BDNF protein. Lower protein concentrations may manifest as problems with executive functioning. Executive function is comprised of a set of mental processes used by humans to accomplish goals, plan and execute tasks, think critically, and respond to situations. Both impulsivity and cognitive flexibility are executive functioning measures which are linked to the development of substance use disorders. Individuals struggle to shift behaviors even when the initial rewarding effects of substances diminish. We examined the relationship among the Val66Met SNP of the BDNF gene with impulsivity, cognitive flexibility and substance use. We collected saliva samples for DNA analysis and administered cognitive tasks to measure these cognitive behaviors. The Number Letter Task was used to measure cognitive flexibility, and a delayed discounting task measured impulsivity. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was also administered as our self-reported questionnaire to understand participants alcohol usage. We hypothesize the presence of the Met allele will display increased impulsivity and increased substance use.