5-HTR2A Polymorphisms rs6311 and rs6313 and Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

rs6311 and rs6313 are two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) on the Serotonin Receptor 2A gene (5-HTR2A) in complete linkage disequilibrium. Numerous gene association studies have examined the relationships between one or both of these two polymorphisms and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with conflicting results. The present meta-analysis examined 19 case-control gene association studies, 9 of which included rs6311 (n = 3382), and 15 of which included rs6313 (n = 5590). The strength of relationship with MDD was assessed by pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for both SNPs according to four genetic models. Heterogeneity was measured by Q and I2. Subgrouping was performed by minor allele and by ethnicity. Results were nonsignificant for all models and subgroups, suggesting that genotype alone does not play a major role in genetic susceptibility to depression. The potential for epistatic, epigenetic, and regulatory RNA interactions with these SNPs is discussed, and future areas of research are recommended.