Deletion variant of alpha 2b-adrenergic receptor gene moderates the effect of COMT val(158)met polymorphism on episodic memory performance

The COMT val(158) variant has been associated with impaired cognitive function compared to the Met(158) variant yet gene gene interactions are not well described. In this study we demonstrate an interaction between this COMT polymorphism and a deletion variant of ADRA2B, the gene encoding the alpha 2b-adrenergic receptor on episodic memory performance. Specifically, carriage of the ADRA2B deletion abolished the relative memory impairment in homozygous COMT val(158) carriers compared to Met(158) carriers.