Epigenome-wide association study meta-analysis of aggressive behavior

Abstract

Aggressive behavior emerges early in childhood, peaking between the age of two and four, which is considered to be a normal aspect of development (Alink et al. 2006; Cote et al. 2006). Thereafter, aggression decreases in most children, along with the development of self-control and the learning of socially-preferred behavior. Adverse early life conditions, including low parental income, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and family dysfunction are associated with a higher level of aggressive behavior in childhood and with increased odds that a person continues on a chronic physical aggression trajectory in adolescence (Tremblay et al. 2004). Twin studies highlight the importance of genetic variation: heritability estimates of aggression range between 50 % and 80 % in children and adults (Porsch et al. 2016; Yeh et al. 2010). Life conditions may impact on genetic pathways involved in aggressive behavior by inducing changes to epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, that regulate gene expression (Provencal et al. 2015). As part of the ACTION project (Aggression in Children: Unraveling gene-environment interplay to inform Treatment and InterventiON strategies; http://www.action-euproject.eu/) we are performing an EWAS meta-analysis (EWAMA) of aggressive behavior and genome-wide DNA methylation assessed with the Illumina 450k array. This EWAMA includes 11 cohorts (total sample size= 9389) with data for 8170 peripheral blood samples (mean age at blood sampling ranging from 4 to 44) and 2195 cord blood samples. The mean age at phenotypic assessment ranges from 6 to 44 and multiple instruments were used to assess aggressive behavior or conduct problems, such as the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL), Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ), Multidimensional Peer Nomination Inventory (MNPI), ASEBA adult self-report (ASR), DSM Conduct Disorder Symptom Scale, Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and the NEO personality questionnaire. Results of the meta-analysis will be presented at BGA.

Authors

Jenny van Dongen (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Matthew Suderman (University of Bristol)
Karen Sugden (Duke University)
Khadeeja Ismail (University of Helsinki)
Rosa H. Mulder (Universiteit Leiden)
Leanne K. Küpers (University of Bristol)
Mariona Bustamante (ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL))
Silvia Alemany (ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL))
Marc Jan Bonder (University Medical Centre Groningen)
Priyanka Parmar (University of Oulu)
Estelle Lowry (University of Oulu)
Rick Jansen (VU University Medical Centre)
Bart Baselmans (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Michel Nivard (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
David Corcoran (Duke University)
Richie Poulton (University of Otago)
Jon Mill (University of Exeter)
Eilis Hannon (University of Exeter)
Louise Arseneault (King's College London)
Eero Vuoksimaa (University of Helsinki)
Miina Ollikainen (University of Helsinki)
Eva Corpeleijn (University Medical Centre Groningen)
Lannie Ligthart (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
BIOS Consortium (NA)
Caroline Relton (University of Bristol)
Terrie Moffitt (Duke University)
Avshalom Caspi (Duke University)
Jaakko Kaprio (University of Helsinki)
Henning Tiemeier (Erasmus Medical Center)
Harold Snieder (University Medical Centre Groningen)
Jordi Sunyer (ISGlobal, Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL))
Lude Franke (University Medical Centre Groningen)
Sylvain Sebert (University of Oulu)
Marjo-riitta Jarvelin (Imperial College London)
Meike Bartels (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
Dorret Boomsma (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Topic Areas

Gene Finding Strategies , Psychopathology (e.g., Internalizing, Externalizing, Psychosis) , Personality, Temperament, Attitudes, Politics and Religion

Session

7A-SY » Childhood Aggression II (17:00 - Friday, 30th June, Sal A)

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