Molecular genetic research on IQ: can it be done? Should it be done?

1996 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Daniels ◽  
Peter McGuffin ◽  
Mike Owen
Keyword(s):  
Single Gene ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Religious Denomination ◽  
Genetic Investigation ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Single Gene Disorders ◽  
Wide Range

An obvious requirement before embarking on molecular genetic investigation of a trait is prior evidence from ‘classic’ genetic studies that there is indeed a genetic component. Many behavioural traits are familial and these range from comparatively uncommon single gene disorders such as Huntington's disease which has a typical mendelian dominant pattern of transmission, to much commoner characteristics such as career choice or religious denomination which, it might be assumed, are heavily influenced by cultural factors. In between, there is a wide range of attributes including personality type, cognitive ability and liability to common disorders such as depression, that show a tendency to run in families, and which could conceivably be explained by shared genes, shared environment or a combination of the two.

scholarly journals Identifying genetic determinants in human essential hypertension.

1992 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. S2
Author(s):  
C R Dudley ◽  
L A Giuffra ◽  
S T Reeders
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Genetic Determinants ◽  
Human Hypertension ◽  
Quantitative Trait Analysis ◽  
Single Gene Disorders ◽  
Genetic Techniques

Genetic factors play an important role in the pathophysiology of human essential hypertension. The remarkable success of molecular genetic techniques in identifying the basis for single gene disorders at the DNA level has encouraged investigators to apply similar techniques in an attempt to identify blood pressure genes. In contrast to single gene disorders, however, the study of blood pressure is complicated by its quantitative, complex, heterogeneous, and polygenic nature. This article examines current methods and strategies for identifying genetic determinants in human hypertension. The availability of highly polymorphic markers, the advances in quantitative trait analysis, and the mapping of blood pressure-determining genes in a polygenic rat model of hypertension suggest that molecular genetic research in human hypertension has come of age.

Epigenetics and Applied Anthropology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H. Klein
Keyword(s):  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Noncoding Dna ◽  
Wide Range

Since Francis Crick and James D. Watson’s discovery of DNA in 1953, researchers, policymakers, and the general public have sought to understand the ways in which genetics shapes human lives. A milestone in these efforts was the completion of the Human Genome Project’s (HGP) sequencing of Homo sapiens’ nearly three million base pairs in 2003. Yet, despite the excitement surrounding the HGP and the discovery of the structural genetic underpinnings of several debilitating diseases, the vast majority of human health outcomes have not been linked to a single gene. Moreover, even when genes have been associated with particular diseases (e.g., breast and colon cancer), it is not well understood why certain genetically predisposed individuals become ill and others do not. Nor has the HGP’s map provided sufficient information to understand the actual functioning of the human genetic code, including the role of noncoding DNA (“junk DNA”) in regulating molecular genetic processes. In response, a growing number of scientists have shifted their attention from structural genetics to epigenetics, the study of how genes express themselves in particular situations and environments. Anthropologists play roles in these applications of epigenetics to real-world settings. Their new theoretical frameworks unsettle the nature-versus-nurture binary and support biocultural anthropological research demonstrating how race becomes biology and embodies social inequalities and health disparities across generations. Ethnographically grounded case studies further highlight the diverse epigenetic logics held by healthcare providers, researchers, and patient communities and how these translations of scientific knowledge shape medical practice and basic research. The growing field of environmental epigenetics also offers a wide range of options for students and practitioners interested in applying the anthropological toolkit in epigenetics-related work.

scholarly journals The role of genetic research with family design in the study of affective disorders

2019 ◽  
pp. 106-108
Author(s):  
E. D. Kasyanov ◽  
G. E. Maso ◽  
A. O. Kibitov
Keyword(s):  
Affective Disorders ◽  
Bipolar Affective Disorder ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Important Criterion ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
The Family ◽  
Polygenic Diseases ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

Affective disorders (recurrent depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder) are multifactorial and polygenic diseases, which suggests the involvement of multiple neurobiological mechanisms. The phenotype of affective disorders is a heterogeneous group of clinically similar psychopathological symptoms, which also makes it difficult to detect potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. To study families at high risk of developing affective disorders using both clinical and molecular genetic approaches can help to study the neurobiological basis of depressive conditions, as well as to identify endophenotypes of affective disorders. The most important criterion for an endophenotype is its heritability, which can be proved only within the framework of the family design of the study. Comprehensive clinical and molecular genetic studies based on family design have the best prospects.

scholarly journals Occurrence of the amphibians in the Volga, Don River basins and adjacent territories (Russia): research in 1996-2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Ruchin ◽  
Oleg Artaev ◽  
Elvira Sharapova ◽  
Oleg Ermakov ◽  
Renat Zamaletdinov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Russian Plain ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Volga River ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Don River ◽  
Global Biodiversity ◽  
Single Standard ◽  
Living Organisms

Knowledge about the distribution of living organisms on Earth is very important for many areas of biological science and understanding of the surrounding world. However, much of the existing distributional data are scattered throughout a multitude of sources, such as taxonomic publications, checklists and natural history collections and often, bringing them together is difficult. A very successful attempt to solve this problem is the GBIF project, which allows a huge number of researchers to publish data in one place in a single standard. Our dataset represents a significant addition to the occurrences of amphibians in the Volga, Don riverine basins and adjacent territories. The dataset contains up-to-date information on amphibian occurrences in the Volga river basin and adjacent territories, located for the most part on the Russian plain of European Russia. The dataset is based on our own studies that were conducted in the years 1996-2020. The dataset consists of 5,030 incident records, all linked to geographical coordinates. A total of 13 amphibian species belonging to nine genera and six families have been registered within the studied territory, although the distribution of amphibian species in this region of Russia has not yet been fully studied. This is especially relevant with the spread of cryptic species that can only be identified using molecular genetic research methods. The main purpose of publishing a database is to make our data available in the global biodiversity system to a wide range of users. The data can be used by researchers, as well as helping the authorities to manage their territory more efficiently. All occurrences are published in GBIF for the first time. Most of the data are stored in field diaries and we would like to make it available to everyone by adding it in the global biodiversity database (GBIF).

scholarly journals Observed positive parenting behaviors and youth genotype: Evidence for gene–environment correlations and moderation by parent personality traits

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline W. Oppenheimer ◽  
Benjamin L. Hankin ◽  
Jessica L. Jenness ◽  
Jami F. Young ◽  
Andrew Smolen
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Child Outcomes ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Parenting Behaviors ◽  
Positive Parenting ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Gene Environment ◽  
Parent Personality

AbstractGene–environment correlations (rGE) have been demonstrated in behavioral genetic studies, but rGE have proven elusive in molecular genetic research. Significant gene–environment correlations may be difficult to detect because potential moderators could reduce correlations between measured genetic variants and the environment. Molecular genetic studies investigating moderated rGE are lacking. This study examined associations between child catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype and aspects of positive parenting (responsiveness and warmth), and whether these associations were moderated by parental personality traits (neuroticism and extraversion) among a general community sample of third, sixth, and ninth graders (N = 263) and their parents. Results showed that parent personality traits moderated the rGE association between youths' genotype and coded observations of positive parenting. Parents with low levels of neuroticism and high levels of extraversion exhibited greater sensitive responsiveness and warmth, respectively, to youth with the valine/valine genotype. Moreover, youth with this genotype exhibited lower levels of observed anger. There was no association between the catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype and parenting behaviors for parents high on neuroticism and low on extraversion. Findings highlight the importance of considering moderating variables that may influence child genetic effects on the rearing environment. Implications for developmental models of maladaptive and adaptive child outcomes, and interventions for psychopathology, are discussed within a developmental psychopathology framework.

The Genetics of Gambling and Behavioral Addictions

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 931-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela S.S. Lobo ◽  
James L. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Familial Aggregation ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Genetic Influences ◽  
Behavioral Addictions ◽  
Psychiatric Genetics ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Genetic Studies

ABSTRACTBehavioral addictions are considered as the repetitive occurrence of impulsive behaviors without consideration of their potential negative consequences. These addictions represent an increasing cost to society and are an important new field of research in psychiatric genetics. There has been a growing body of evidence on the familial aggregation and genetic influences on the development of behavioral addictions and mainly on pathological gambling. The aim of this article is to critically review findings of family and molecular genetic studies on behavioral addictions, focusing on pathological gambling and commenting on other disorders where appropriate. This review provides a comprehensive approach to genetic studies on behavioral addiction and points out the necessity of expanding the genetic research in this field. Future directions for genetic studies in this field are also discussed.

Genetic epidemiology 2: molecular genetics

2003 ◽  
pp. 335-356
Author(s):  
David Collier ◽  
Tao Li
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Genetics ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Molecular Genetic Analysis ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Great Success ◽  
Complex Disorder ◽  
Single Gene Disorders ◽  
Human Disorders ◽  
Rapid Pace

The previous chapter has focused on methods for identifying familial clustering of disorders or traits, and on methods for distinguishing between shared genetic and environmental influences. The primary objective for this chapter is to outline techniques for identifying specific genes responsible for an observed phenotype. The theoretical basis of complex and quantitative traits was established many decades ago. However practical methods for the efficient molecular analysis of the human genome have only recently emerged. Alongside these developments, the molecular genetic analysis of human disorders has moved at a rapid pace. Molecular genetics has focused on single gene disorders with great success, whereas for complex psychiatric disorders, few genetic risk factors have been identified. However the tools used by the complex disorder geneticist have evolved rapidly in the last few years and better strategies and statistical methods continue to appear. This chapter outlines some established and novel approaches to the analysis of the genetics of complex human disorders. A basic understanding of genetical statistics will be useful.

scholarly journals Microsatellites Cross-Species Amplification across Some African Cichlids

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etienne Bezault ◽  
Xavier Rognon ◽  
Karim Gharbi ◽  
Jean-Francois Baroiller ◽  
Bernard Chevassus
Keyword(s):  
Microsatellite Markers ◽  
Oreochromis Niloticus ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
African Cichlid ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Level ◽  
African Cichlids

The transfer of the genomic resources developed in the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, to other Tilapiines sensu lato and African cichlid would provide new possibilities to study this amazing group from genetics, ecology, evolution, aquaculture, and conservation point of view. We tested the cross-species amplification of 32 O. niloticus microsatellite markers in a panel of 15 species from 5 different African cichlid tribes: Oreochromines (Oreochromis, Sarotherodon), Boreotilapiines (Tilapia), Chromidotilapines, Hemichromines, and Haplochromines. Amplification was successfully observed for 29 markers (91%), with a frequency of polymorphic (P95) loci per species around 70%. The mean number of alleles per locus and species was 3.2 but varied from 3.7 within Oreochromis species to 1.6 within the nontilapia species. The high level of cross-species amplification and polymorphism of the microsatellite markers tested in this study provides powerful tools for a wide range of molecular genetic studies within tilapia species as well as for other African cichlids.

Happiness and Wellbeing; the value and findings from genetic studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margot Van de Weijer ◽  
Lianne de Vries ◽  
Meike Bartels
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Ageing Populations

In light of major global trends (e.g., rise of ageing populations, increasing longevity, decreasing birth rates), maintaining, facilitating, and building well-being (WB) is crucial, but also becomes increasingly complex and demanding. Over the past decade, twin studies have helped us get better insight into the extent to which genes and environments contribute to individual differences in well-being. Our knowledge about these genetic and environmental factors is continuingly growing with studies on well-being related phenotypes, extensions of twin studies, molecular genetic studies, and environmental studies. In this chapter, we provide an overview of past, present, and future directions of behavioural genetic research on well-being, happiness, and related phenotypes.

Assessment of changes in biochemical parameters and their role as markers of pathological processes

2020 ◽  
pp. 57-63
Author(s):  
Olga Alekseevna Petrischeva
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Maximum Information ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The One

The data of laboratory tests can often provide up to 70% of information about the disease, and the test results can help the doctor not only in the correct diagnosis and competent prescription of treatment, but also should be aimed at conducting a subsequent assessment of its effectiveness. At the present stage, laboratory tests are represented by a wide range of clinical, immunological, biochemical, microbiological, histological and molecular genetic studies. Evaluation of some parameters (for example, a clinical blood test and a general urinalysis) is carried out practically at each patient's request for medical help, while others are evaluated only if there are indications. For example, if a patient complains of severe dysuric disorders, determining the level of amylase in this case will be uninformative, but urinalysis according to Nechiporenko will contribute to the correct diagnosis. A doctor of a clinical specialty, on the one hand, must clearly understand which tests can help in making a diagnosis and will carry the maximum information content, and, on the other hand, try to avoid unnecessary prescription of tests that have low evidence in a particular clinical situation. One of the most frequently prescribed tests is the conduct of biochemical studies, therefore, in today's article we will try to figure out how biochemical parameters change in various pathological processes, and what information they can bring.

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