Stress-Associated Cognitive Functioning Is Controlled by Variations in Synaptic Plasticity Genes

Abstract

The difficulties frequently caused by increased stress sensitivity while performing mathematical operations (mathematical anxiety, MA) represent an important problem for individual success. To date, no molecular-genetic studies have been published with respect to variations in math anxiety. According to “generalist genes hypothesis,” the genes involved in regulation of cognitive functioning and stress-associated component, including SNAP25, ARC, and GRIK1 genes, might be of interest to unravel the genetic nature of MA. Considering the necessity to include stress-related environmental factors in the analysis, the present study estimated both the main effect of SNAP25 (rs1051312, rs363050), ARC (rs2234911), and GRIK1 (rs2832407) gene polymorphisms and G × E interactions in individual differences in MA in 523 healthy individuals without cognitive decline with consideration of sex- and ethnicity-related differences. The association of SNAP25 rs363050*G allele with higher MA was observed in Tatars (P = 0.014, PFDR = 0.041, r2 = 0.044). As a result of multiple regression analysis, the G × E model including ARC (rs2234911)* order of birth affecting MA level was established (βST = 0.17, r2 = 0.017, Р = 0.049). The data obtained indicate the involvement of the SNAP25 and ARC genes