Brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) and personality traits: The modifying effect of season of birth and sex

• The role of GxE interactions in individual differences in personality
• Season of Birth modifies the associations between BDNF gene and Harm avoidance.
• Sex-specific association between BDNF gene and Persistence.

Personality traits are complex phenotypes influenced by interactions of multiple genetic variants of small effect and environmental factors. It has been suggested that the brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) is involved in personality traits. Season of birth (SOB) has also been shown to affect personality traits due to its influences on brain development during prenatal and early postnatal periods. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of BDNF on personality traits; and the modifying effects of SOB and sex on associations between BDNF and personality traits. A sample of 1018 young adults (68% women; age range 17–25 years) of Caucasian origin from the Russian Federation was assessed on personality traits (Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, Reward Dependence, Persistence, Self-directedness, Cooperativeness, Self-transcendence) with the Temperament and Character Inventory-125 (TCI-125). Associations between personality traits and 12 BDNF SNPs were tested using linear regression models. The present study demonstrated the effect of rs11030102 on Persistence in females only (PFDR = 0.043; r2 = 1.3%). There were significant interaction effects between Val66Met (rs6265) and SOB (PFDR = 0.048, r2 = 1.4%), and between rs2030323 and SOB (PFDR = 0.042, r2 = 1.3%), on Harm Avoidance. Our findings provide evidence for the modifying effect of SOB on the association between BDNF and Harm Avoidance, and for the modifying effect of sex on the association between BDNF and Persistence.