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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Main Authors: 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
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2015-01-01
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.
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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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