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Can common functional gene variants affect visual discrimination in metacontrast masking?
Margus Maksimov1, Mariliis Vaht, Jaanus Harro
1University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
Plos One
|January 30, 2013
Summary
Individual differences in visual perception, particularly in metacontrast masking, are not directly explained by common genetic polymorphisms. However, these genetic factors may interact with other variables, influencing fast vision mechanisms and research replicability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Visual perception mechanisms are assumed to be universal and efficient for survival.
- Previous vision research, including visual masking studies, implicitly accepted uniform psychophysical functions.
- Recent studies reveal significant individual differences in metacontrast masking performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and individual differences in visual discrimination during metacontrast masking.
- To determine if specific genetic variants (BDNF Val66Met, NRG1/rs6994992, 5-HTTLPR) influence metacontrast performance.
Main Methods:
- Assessed visual discrimination in metacontrast masking.
- Examined three common genetic polymorphisms (BDNF Val66Met, NRG1/rs6994992, 5-HTTLPR) as independent variables.
- Analyzed interactions between genetic variables and factors like gender, trial stage, and perceptual strategies.
Main Results:
- No direct main effects of the studied genetic polymorphisms on metacontrast masking performance were found.
- Significant interactions were observed between genetic variables and gender, experimental trial stage, perceptual strategies, and target/mask congruence.
- These findings suggest indirect influence of common genetic variability on basic fast vision functions.
Conclusions:
- Basic fast vision functions, despite assumptions of universality, may be subtly influenced by common genetic variability.
- Uncontrolled genetic factors can confound vision research, impacting theoretical interpretation and experimental replicability.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between genetics, development, and individual differences in visual perception.
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