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Genes and social skills

J Scourfield¹, P McGuffin, A Thapar

¹University of Wales College of Medicine, Division of Psychological Medicine, Health Park, Cardiff, UK. ScourfieldJ@Cardiff.ac.uk

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

|January 10, 1998

Summary

A newly identified gene locus on the human X chromosome influences social cognition. This paternally expressed gene may explain sex differences in behavior and higher male vulnerability to autism.

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Neuroscience
Developmental Psychology

Background:

Social cognition differences between sexes are well-documented.
The genetic underpinnings of these differences, particularly X-linked influences, remain incompletely understood.
Imprinting, a form of epigenetic regulation, plays a role in parent-of-origin gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of X-linked genetic loci in human social cognition.
To explore the potential impact of genomic imprinting on sex-specific cognitive development.
To examine if X-linked imprinted genes could explain sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.

Main Methods:

Analysis of genetic data related to X chromosome loci.
Examination of gene expression patterns influenced by genomic imprinting.
Correlational studies linking genetic findings to social cognition and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests one or more loci on the human X chromosome influence social cognition.
A specific imprinted locus, expressed only from the paternally inherited X chromosome, was identified.
This paternally expressed locus is not expressed in males, as their X chromosome is maternally inherited.

Conclusions:

The findings support a genetic contribution to sex differences in social cognition.
Genomic imprinting on the X chromosome presents a potential mechanism for these sex differences.
This genetic influence may contribute to the observed higher vulnerability in males for developmental disorders affecting social behavior, such as autism.

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