The genotype of human transcription factor AP-2 beta is associated with platelet monoamine oxidase B activity

Platelet monoamine oxidase B (MAO; EC 1.4.3.4.) activity is stable in the i ndividual and is mainly genetically regulated. Levels of MAO-B in platelets have repeatedly been shown to be associated with personality traits. We ha ve recently also demonstrated an association between the genotype of AP-2 b eta to a variety of personality traits as well as binge-eating disorder. In the present study we have analysed blood samples from 158 males and 64 fem ales with regard to platelet MAO activity and genotype of transcription fac tor AP-SP. In both sexes homozygotes for the long allele [CAAA](5) were sig nificantly associated with low platelet MAO activity P < 0.0001 (males) and P = 0.0158 (females). This study represents a novel approach to increase t he understanding about the molecular mechanisms for how the MAOB gene is re gulated in blood cells and how this regulation is linked to personality tra its. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.