What is the MAOA warrior gene?

What is the MAOA warrior gene?

Monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) has earned the nickname “warrior gene” because it has been linked to aggression in observational and survey-based studies. However, no controlled experimental studies have tested whether the warrior gene actually drives behavioral manifestations of these tendencies.

Is there really a warrior gene?

Low-activity variants of the VNTR promoter region of the MAO-A gene have been referred to as the warrior gene. While almost all humans have a functional MAO-A gene, MAO-A deficiency has been seen in at least 5 families with Brunner syndrome.

How do you know if you have the warrior gene?

Phil’s Web site links to a company called FamilyTreeDNA, “the leading direct-to-consumer DNA testing company in the world. ” Send a cheek scraping to the company and it will tell you if you have the warrior gene for $69—$99 if you don’t go through Dr. Phil’s Web site.

How common is the warrior gene?

Only about a third of people in Western populations have the low-activity form of MAOA. By comparison, low-activity MAOA has been reported to be much more frequent (approaching two-thirds of people) in some populations that had a history of warfare. This led to a controversy over MAOA being dubbed the “warrior gene.”

Is there a serial killer gene?

Genetic susceptibility may also lead to mitigation of responsibility in convicts during trials of offenses, leading to reduced punishments. MAOA and CHD13 are sometimes called “serial killer genes.” If we proceed to label people as “serial killer gene” carriers we risk stigmatization at unprecedented levels.

Is there a gene that causes violence?

The MAOA gene –located in the X chromosome- is also known as the warrior gene, since abnormal versions of the gene often result in aggressive behaviors. Several animal models in which the function of MAO-A is defective display excessive levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) in the brain.

Can females have the warrior gene?

“It’s even called the warrior gene by some scientists, but, at least for women, our study points to a brighter side of this gene.” While they experience higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, women tend to report greater overall life happiness than do men. The reason for this remains unclear, Chen said.

Is anger in your DNA?

Frequently, people can think back to their parents, grandparents and other extended family as being angry people. Many think this is a genetic condition. However, most experts agree that anger is a learned behavior, assuming that it is not stemming from Bipolar Disorder or any other mental illness.

What are the two types of MAOA gene?

MAO-A gene encodes an enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), which breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine. There are two types of MAO-A gene: MAOA-L and MAOA-H. MAOA-L results in lower levels of MAOA enzyme, and MAOA-H results in higher levels.

Where can I find information about the warrior gene?

Additional details about the Warrior Gene genetic variant of MAO-A can be found in the paper titled “ A functional polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A gene promoter ” by Sabol et al, 1998. When testing for the Warrior Gene, we are looking for an absence of MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) on the X chromosomes.

Which is the best test for MAOA warrior gene?

You can check some SNPs in your DNA test results by looking for: Rs909525 (MAOA Gene), considered to be the best proxy for the number of repeats of the MAOA warrior gene [ 10 ]. Limited studies suggest the following associations: C= “Warrior” version.

How does MAOA-I gene affect your personality?

So if you are on MAOA-I, it is important that you reduce your tyramine consumption. MAO-A gene encodes an enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), which breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine.