Researchers at The Zucker Hillside Hospital campus have discovered that the dysbindin-1 gene (DTNBP1) might have an influence on intelligence which is also linked to schizophrenia. "We looked at several DNA sequence variations within the dysbindin gene and found one of them to be significantly associated with lower general cognitive ability in carriers of the risk variant compared with non-carriers in two independent groups," said Katherine Burdick, leading researcher.
The experiment was carried out by measuring the cognitive performance of 213 patients with schizophrenia and 126 healthy volunteers. Researchers then analysed 6 specific variations of the participants’ SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in the dysbindin-1 gene and discovered a correlation between one particular pattern, known as the haplotype, and general cognitive ability. Their data showed that there was a significant impairment in cognition in schizophrenia patient and carriers of this risk variant in the dysbindin-1 gene.
However this only accounts for about 3% of intelligence influence on humans while multiple genetic and environmental influences are the main factors. From previous understanding, the main function of dysdindin, however still debated, enables communication between brain cells whilst maintaining their survival in regions of learning, problem solving, judgment, memory and comprehension. If, however, an alteration has occurred in the dysbindin gene, this could reduce its effectiveness in maintaining the life span of brain cells and results in an increase in interruption between cell communications. Such discoveries as these could be the stepping stone in defining the origin of intelligences or assist in the further development in intelligence in humans.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060427161424.htm
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