No association between the -3081A/T polymorphism in the norepinephrine transporter gene promoter and personality traits in healthy subjects.

There have been several data suggesting that norepinephrine neurotransmission is involved in the characterization of personality traits. Recently, the -3081A/T polymorphism in the promoter region of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) gene affecting promoter activity has been reported. In the present study, we studied the association between this NET polymorphism and personality traits in 553 Japanese healthy subjects. Personality traits were assessed by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and the NET genotypes were identified by a PCR-RFLP method. Multivariate two-factor analysis of covariance with genotype and gender as factors and with age as a covariate showed no association between the NET genotypes and the TCI dimension scores. The present study thus suggests that the -3081A/T polymorphism in the NET gene promoter is not involved in the characterization of personality traits in healthy subjects.