Fast sleep spindle density is associated with rs4680 (Val108/158Met) genotype of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)

摘要

Study ObjectivesSleep spindles are a hallmark of NREM stage 2 sleep. Fast sleep spindles correlate with cognitive functioning and are reduced in schizophrenia. Although spindles are highly genetically determined, distinct genetic mechanisms influencing sleep spindle activity have not been identified so far. Spindles are generated within a thalamocortical network. Dopaminergic neurotransmission modulates activity within this network and importantly depends on activity of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). We aimed at testing whether the common functional rs4680 (Val108/158Met) polymorphism of COMT modulates fast spindle activity in healthy participants.