Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction (PPI) Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: November 14, 2017
Genetic variation in DTNBP1 influences general cognitive ability
Katherine E Burdick1, Todd Lencz, Birgit Funke
1Department of Psychiatry Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA. kburdick@lij.edu
Genetic factors significantly influence human intelligence. Research links the DTNBP1 gene on chromosome 6p to variations in general cognitive ability (g), suggesting its role in intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Cognitive genetics
Background:
- Human intelligence is a heritable trait.
- Genetic linkage data suggest a region on chromosome 6p influences intelligence.
- The DTNBP1 gene, located on 6p, is implicated in schizophrenia and cognitive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between DTNBP1 genotype and general cognitive ability (g).
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of the DTNBP1 gene.
- Assessment of general cognitive ability (g).
- Analysis in two independent cohorts: patients with schizophrenia/schizo-affective disorder and healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between DTNBP1 genotype and general cognitive ability (g).
- This association was observed in both patient and healthy volunteer cohorts.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variation in DTNBP1 influences human intelligence.
- DTNBP1 may play a role in cognitive function beyond its known association with schizophrenia.
Related Concept Videos
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...
Biological Influences on Intelligence
Incomplete Dominance
Genetic Variation
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

