The relationship of age and DRD2 polymorphisms to frontostriatal brain activity and working memory performance

Dopamine (DA) in both prefrontal cortex (PFC) and caudate nucleus is critical for working memory (WM) function. The C957T and Taq1A polymorphisms of the DRD2 gene are related to DA D2 receptor densities in PFC and striatum. Using functional MRI, we investigated the relationship of age and these 2 DRD2 gene polymorphisms to WM function and examined possible age by gene interactions. Results demonstrated less caudate activity for older adults (70-80 years; n = 112) compared with the younger age group (25-65 years; n = 191), suggesting age-related functional differences in this region. Importantly, there was a gene-related difference regarding WM performance and frontostriatal brain activity. Specifically, better WM performance and greater activity in PFC were found among C957T C allele carriers. Combined genetic markers for increased DA D2 receptor density were associated with greater caudate activity and higher WM updating performance. The genetic effects on blood oxygen level-dependent activity were only observed in older participants, suggesting magnified genetic effects in aging. Our findings emphasize the importance of DA-related genes in regulating WM functioning in aging and demonstrate a positive link between DA and brain activation in the frontostriatal circuitry.