Modulation of defensive reactivity by GLRB allelic variation: Converging evidence from an intermediate phenotype approach

Lueken U, Kuhn M, Yang Y, Straube B, Kircher T, Wittchen HU, Pfleiderer B, Arolt V, Wittmann A, Ströhle A, Weber H, Reif A, Domschke K, Deckert J, Lonsdorf T

Abstract

Representing one of the first GWAS-confirmed findings related to the phenotype of PD54, 55, 56 and AG, converging evidence for GLRB allelic variation in defensive reactivity was derived from a large-scale translational approach, cross-cutting different levels of analyses. Of note, the robustness of this finding is demonstrated by consistent associations across different experimental paradigms and recording sites. As such, glycine-dependent neurotransmission may open up new avenues for mechanistic research on the etiopathogenesis of fear and anxiety disorders.