[en] Introduction. Genetic variability related to the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene (Val158Met polymorphism) has received increasing attention as a possible modulator of cognitive control functions.
Methods. In an event-related fMRI study, a modified version of the Stroop task was administered to three groups of 15 young adults according to their COMT Val158Met genotype [Val/Val (VV), Val/Met (VM) and Met/Met (MM)]. Based on the theory of dual mechanisms of control (Braver, et al., 2007), the Stroop task has been built to induce proactive or reactive control processes according to the task context.
Results. Behavioral results did not show any significant group differences for reaction times but Val allele carriers individuals are less accurate in the processing of incongruent items. fMRI results revealed that proactive control is specifically associated with increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in carriers of the Met allele, while increased activity is observed in the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) in carriers of the Val allele.
Conclusion. These observations, in keeping with a higher cortical dopamine level in MM individuals, support the hypothesis of a COMT Val158Met genotype modulation of the brain regions underlying proactive control, especially in frontal areas as suggested by Braver et al.
Research center :
GIGA CRC (Cyclotron Research Center) In vivo Imaging-Aging & Memory - ULiège Giga-Neurosciences - ULiège
Disciplines :
Neurosciences & behavior
Author, co-author :
Jaspar, Mathieu ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie : cognition et comportement > Neuropsychologie
Genon, Sarah ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Neuroimagerie des troubles de la mémoire et révalid. cogn.
Muto, Vincenzo ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centre de recherches du cyclotron
Meyer, Christelle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centre de recherches du cyclotron
Manard, Marine ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie : cognition et comportement > Neuropsychologie
DIDEBERG, Vinciane ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Génétique
Bours, Vincent ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > GIGA-R : Génétique humaine
Salmon, Eric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Neuroimagerie des troubles de la mémoire et révalid. cogn.
Maquet, Pierre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centre de recherches du cyclotron
Collette, Fabienne ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie : cognition et comportement > Neuropsychologie
Language :
English
Title :
Modulating effect of COMT genotype on the brain regions underlying proactive control process during inhibition
Publication date :
2014
Journal title :
Cortex: A Journal Devoted to the Study of the Nervous System and Behavior
F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique [BE] Fondation Léon Fredericq [BE] InterUniversity Attraction Pole (IUAP P7/11) French Speaking Community Concerted Research Action (ARC 09/14-03) WELBIO - Institut wallon virtuel de recherche d'excellence dans les domaines des sciences de la vie [BE] ULiège - Université de Liège [BE]
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