The results support the hypothesis that the serotonin transporter gene, specifically the s allele and the ss genotype of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, are related to the history of depression and suicide attempt in adolescents.
Star-crossed? The association of the 5-HTTLPR s allele with season of birth in a healthy female population, and possible consequences for temperament, depression and suicide.
Gene-environment interaction has been recognized for a long time in the pathophysiology of depression, and its best biological substratum at present is represented by the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene, where several copies of its short allele culminate in depression and suicide in response to lifelong stress events.