The SNAP25 gene emerges as a pivotal player in shaping well-being levels not only among Indians but also on a global scale

Article Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Nucleus India

Abstract

Nearly 36% of the variability in individuals’ happiness or well-being can be attributed to their genetic predispositions, which could potentially influence their variable responses to the same environmental stimuli. However, the specific genetic factors that affect happiness remain poorly understood especially among the Indians, due to the lack of effective research. Studies also suggested that various aspects of the social environment may influence happiness. Therefore, the present study investigates the effect of two regulatory genetic variants viz. rs1051312 and rs4570625 from SNAP25 and TPH2 gene respectively, along with eight environmental covariates on happiness in a representative eastern Indian Bengali population. To understand the variants’ influence on global happiness, the study also explores their relationship with the average life evaluation scores indicating happiness index across different populations worldwide. The results however showed a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between both genetic variants and happiness among the representative population, as well as a significant positive correlation between rs1051312 and global average life evaluation scores. A subsequent in silico analysis to prioritize the key happiness and well-being genes, based on previous genome-wide and candidate association data including results from this study revealed the SNAP25 gene to be a promising candidate to contribute towards happiness or well-being.

First Page

645

Last Page

657

DOI

10.1007/s13237-025-00530-9

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS