Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric.
Relational complexity (RC) is a metric reflecting capacity limitation in relational processing. It plays a crucial role in higher cognitive processes and is an endophenotype for several disorders. However, the genetic underpinnings of complex relational processing have not been investigated. Using t...
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2015-01-01
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Series: | PLoS ONE |
Online Access: | http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4393228?pdf=render |
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author | Narelle K Hansell Graeme S Halford Glenda Andrews David H K Shum Sarah E Harris Gail Davies Sanja Franic Andrea Christoforou Brendan Zietsch Jodie Painter Sarah E Medland Erik A Ehli Gareth E Davies Vidar M Steen Astri J Lundervold Ivar Reinvang Grant W Montgomery Thomas Espeseth Hilleke E Hulshoff Pol John M Starr Nicholas G Martin Stephanie Le Hellard Dorret I Boomsma Ian J Deary Margaret J Wright |
author_facet | Narelle K Hansell Graeme S Halford Glenda Andrews David H K Shum Sarah E Harris Gail Davies Sanja Franic Andrea Christoforou Brendan Zietsch Jodie Painter Sarah E Medland Erik A Ehli Gareth E Davies Vidar M Steen Astri J Lundervold Ivar Reinvang Grant W Montgomery Thomas Espeseth Hilleke E Hulshoff Pol John M Starr Nicholas G Martin Stephanie Le Hellard Dorret I Boomsma Ian J Deary Margaret J Wright |
author_sort | Narelle K Hansell |
collection | DOAJ |
description | Relational complexity (RC) is a metric reflecting capacity limitation in relational processing. It plays a crucial role in higher cognitive processes and is an endophenotype for several disorders. However, the genetic underpinnings of complex relational processing have not been investigated. Using the classical twin model, we estimated the heritability of RC and genetic overlap with intelligence (IQ), reasoning, and working memory in a twin and sibling sample aged 15-29 years (N = 787). Further, in an exploratory search for genetic loci contributing to RC, we examined associated genetic markers and genes in our Discovery sample and selected loci for replication in four independent samples (ALSPAC, LBC1936, NTR, NCNG), followed by meta-analysis (N>6500) at the single marker level. Twin modelling showed RC is highly heritable (67%), has considerable genetic overlap with IQ (59%), and is a major component of genetic covariation between reasoning and working memory (72%). At the molecular level, we found preliminary support for four single-marker loci (one in the gene DGKB), and at a gene-based level for the NPS gene, having influence on cognition. These results indicate that genetic sources influencing relational processing are a key component of the genetic architecture of broader cognitive abilities. Further, they suggest a genetic cascade, whereby genetic factors influencing capacity limitation in relational processing have a flow-on effect to more complex cognitive traits, including reasoning and working memory, and ultimately, IQ. |
first_indexed | 2024-04-13T05:45:55Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-67eae91d963e47479588dd6d97b8bc42 |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 1932-6203 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-04-13T05:45:55Z |
publishDate | 2015-01-01 |
publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) |
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spelling | doaj.art-67eae91d963e47479588dd6d97b8bc422022-12-22T02:59:58ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032015-01-01104e012388610.1371/journal.pone.0123886Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric.Narelle K HansellGraeme S HalfordGlenda AndrewsDavid H K ShumSarah E HarrisGail DaviesSanja FranicAndrea ChristoforouBrendan ZietschJodie PainterSarah E MedlandErik A EhliGareth E DaviesVidar M SteenAstri J LundervoldIvar ReinvangGrant W MontgomeryThomas EspesethHilleke E Hulshoff PolJohn M StarrNicholas G MartinStephanie Le HellardDorret I BoomsmaIan J DearyMargaret J WrightRelational complexity (RC) is a metric reflecting capacity limitation in relational processing. It plays a crucial role in higher cognitive processes and is an endophenotype for several disorders. However, the genetic underpinnings of complex relational processing have not been investigated. Using the classical twin model, we estimated the heritability of RC and genetic overlap with intelligence (IQ), reasoning, and working memory in a twin and sibling sample aged 15-29 years (N = 787). Further, in an exploratory search for genetic loci contributing to RC, we examined associated genetic markers and genes in our Discovery sample and selected loci for replication in four independent samples (ALSPAC, LBC1936, NTR, NCNG), followed by meta-analysis (N>6500) at the single marker level. Twin modelling showed RC is highly heritable (67%), has considerable genetic overlap with IQ (59%), and is a major component of genetic covariation between reasoning and working memory (72%). At the molecular level, we found preliminary support for four single-marker loci (one in the gene DGKB), and at a gene-based level for the NPS gene, having influence on cognition. These results indicate that genetic sources influencing relational processing are a key component of the genetic architecture of broader cognitive abilities. Further, they suggest a genetic cascade, whereby genetic factors influencing capacity limitation in relational processing have a flow-on effect to more complex cognitive traits, including reasoning and working memory, and ultimately, IQ.http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4393228?pdf=render |
spellingShingle | Narelle K Hansell Graeme S Halford Glenda Andrews David H K Shum Sarah E Harris Gail Davies Sanja Franic Andrea Christoforou Brendan Zietsch Jodie Painter Sarah E Medland Erik A Ehli Gareth E Davies Vidar M Steen Astri J Lundervold Ivar Reinvang Grant W Montgomery Thomas Espeseth Hilleke E Hulshoff Pol John M Starr Nicholas G Martin Stephanie Le Hellard Dorret I Boomsma Ian J Deary Margaret J Wright Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric. PLoS ONE |
title | Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric. |
title_full | Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric. |
title_fullStr | Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric. |
title_full_unstemmed | Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric. |
title_short | Genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric. |
title_sort | genetic basis of a cognitive complexity metric |
url | http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4393228?pdf=render |
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