Summary: Certain behavioral traits are inherited in humans. Thus, genes influence how people behave under specific circumstances. However, the availability of GWAS has now made it possible to identify which genes are associated with what kind of behavioral characteristics. It is known that the combination of several hundred genes influences any behavioral characteristic. In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers analyzed the data of 1.5 million Europeans to identify genes associated with impulsive behavior and greater risk of addiction. In the study, researchers could identify 600 genes that are frequently related to antisocial behavior. Researchers think that this would ultimately help them devise interventions targeted at special population groups. It may also help provide specific interventions in a timelier way.
There is no doubt that genes influence social behavior. It is evident from the different responses between the two genders to various stressful moments. Although, it is worth knowing that a particular kind of behavior may also alter gene expression. Further, how much do genes influence any behavior is a subject of debate, especially in areas like opioid addiction treatment, where both genetic and environmental factors play significant roles.
Early studies regarding how genes influence various traits focused on smaller animals or insects, having lesser genetic information. Those studies confirmed the association between behavior and genes. Thus, it was concluded that humans could not be an exception. Nonetheless, humans are far more complex1.
Genes influence the way a person might respond to any adverse or favorable environment. They control the sensitivity of any response. Thus, some individuals are better fit for a specific environment than others. In many cases, these inherited traits may only become visible under certain circumstances2.
Studying the relationship between genes and specific behavioral responses requires enormous data.
Analyzing the genes of a few humans would not help. However, analyzing the genes of million will help. By analyzing the genetic data of millions, one can identify certain genetic patterns associated with a specific behavior or as a risk factor. It is where Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) come into play3.
In the GWAS approach, one can search along the entire genome with the help of SNPs. During the search, one may look for certain similar kinds of genes in a group with specific behavior. Or on the contrary, one may look for genes that are consistently absent in those with opposing traits.
Studies also show that any trait is often associated with multiple genes, with each gene contributing its bit.
A new study could identify 600 genes associated with a greater risk of antisocial behavior and addiction
In the new study, researchers tried to identify genes associated with self-regulation and addiction. For this, they used the GWAS dataset of 1.5 million Europeans4.
They found that about 600 genes were associated with a considerably greater risk of impulsive behavior. Thus, these genes can help predict the risk of substance abuse, obesity, HIV infections, suicide, unsocial behavior, and much more.
Of course, there are no genes that are hundred percent predictive. It is vital to understand that genes do not code for a certain type of social behavior. All they genes do is increase a person’s risk of certain conditions. Genes are a predisposing factor. They decide how the brain is wired and how it will react to specific stress responses. Thus, putting some at greater risk of specific conditions.
It is the most extensive study of its kind. Researchers think that it may have several implications. It may help develop healthcare strategies for introducing early interventions in those at risk. I would also help create the so-called personalized medications.
However, it is worth noticing that genetic predisposition to impulsivity or less self-control is not essentially evil. On the contrary, in certain situations, it could be a highly beneficial trait. For example, some of the most successful people, like CEOs to military generals, might be high-risk takers.
Thus, these findings are not to classify people as good or bad. Instead, such an analysis may only help people understand their strengths and weaknesses.
References
1. Kendler KS, Greenspan RJ. The Nature of Genetic Influences on Behavior: Lessons From “Simpler” Organisms. AJP. 2006;163(10):1683-1694. doi:10.1176/ajp.2006.163.10.1683
2. Reiss D, Leve LD, Neiderhiser JM. How Genes and the Social Environment Moderate Each Other. Am J Public Health. 2013;103(Suppl 1):S111-S121. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301408
3. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Genome.gov. Accessed November 15, 2021. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genome-Wide-Association-Studies
4. Karlsson Linnér R, Mallard TT, Barr PB, et al. Multivariate analysis of 1.5 million people identifies genetic associations with traits related to self-regulation and addiction. Nat Neurosci. 2021;24(10):1367-1376. doi:10.1038/s41593-021-00908-3
