Is violent crime in some people’s genes?

Posted: Published on October 30th, 2014

This post was added by Dr P. Richardson

By Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter

(HealthDay News) -- In a cutting-edge look at the biology of crime, a team of Swedish investigators has identified two specific genetic mutations that appear to be linked to a higher risk for extremely violent behavior.

"Our study suggests that up to 10 percent of violent crimes might be explained by the aforementioned two genes," said study lead author Dr. Jari Tiihonen, a professor in the department of clinical neuroscience with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

One of the mutations involves a version of gene called MAOA. This genetic mutation appears to short circuit the usual way the hormone dopamine is processed and controlled. Prior research has suggested that an excess of dopamine can promote aggressive behavior, particularly when mixed with drugs or alcohol, according to background information in the study.

The other mutation involves a gene known as CDH13. This mutation seems to impede the development of normal neural connections and undermine impulse control. It has previously been linked to the onset of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the study.

"[But] I think that it is important to realize that there are probably many more genes that [also] contribute to violent behavior," he added, and noted that simply carrying the mutations does not mean a person is inevitably destined for a life of violence.

In fact, Tiihonen pointed out that although carriers of the MAOA and CDH13 mutations are 13 times more likely to commit a violent crime, "the vast majority [of] high-risk genotype individuals do not commit severe violent crimes." The researchers only found an association between violent crime and gene mutations; the study didn't prove the mutations were the cause of such behavior.

Tiihonen and his colleagues discussed their findings in the Oct. 28 online issue of Molecular Psychiatry.

To explore the potential genetic underpinnings of criminal behavior, the authors conducted a genetic analysis involving nearly 800 Finnish citizens.

All had been convicted of a crime, and were incarcerated in one of 19 Finnish prisons, the study noted. Some crimes involved nonviolent behavior, including property theft and drug-dealing. Others, however, had been found guilty of repeatedly engaging in extremely violent offenses, including at least 10 acts of murder and/or assault.

See the rest here:
Is violent crime in some people's genes?

Related Posts
This entry was posted in Biology. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.