Evidence found for a possible [open quote]aggression gene[close quote]

Journal Article · Fri Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 1993 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.8511575· OSTI ID:6400703

Morell, V

Researchers in the Netherlands are on the track of a genetic mutation in a large Dutch family that may cause periodic outbursts of aggression in its possessors. Han G. Brunner and his colleagues at Univ. Hospital in Nijmegen report evidence suggesting that a mutation in the gene for monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) may underlie the aggressive and sometimes violent behavior displayed by certain males in this family. A linkage between MAOA gene defect and behavioral problems would make biological sense because the enzyme encoded by the gene helps break down several neurotransmitters that might, if their concentrations build up abnormally, cause a person to respond excessively-and at times even violently-to stress. If this original report is borne out by further work, it would be the first time that a specific gene defect has been found to predispose its bearers to aggressive behavior. Using markers for the X chromosome, Brunner and his colleagues identified the MAO gene region as the likely site for the diseased gene.

• OSTI ID: 6400703
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Vol. 260:5115; ISSN 0036-8075
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AMINE OXIDASES
GENE MUTATIONS
HUMAN X CHROMOSOME
GENETIC MAPPING
MENTAL DISORDERS
NEUROREGULATORS
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS
CHROMOSOMES
DRUGS
ENZYMES
HETEROCHROMOSOMES
HUMAN CHROMOSOMES
MAPPING
MUTATIONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
PROTEINS
X CHROMOSOME
550400* - Genetics
550900 - Pathology