1
|
The molecular genetic basis of creativity: a mini review and perspectives. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:1-16. [PMID: 35217895 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Although creativity is one of the defining features of human species, it is just the beginning of an ambitious attempt for psychologists to understand its genetic basis. With ongoing efforts, great progress has been achieved in molecular genetic studies of creativity. In this mini review, we highlighted recent molecular genetic findings for both domain-general and domain-specific creativity, and provided some perspectives for future studies. It is expected that this work will provide an update on the knowledge regarding the molecular genetic basis of creativity, and contribute to the further development of this field.
Collapse
|
2
|
Agnoli S, Mastria S, Zanon M, Corazza GE. Dopamine supports idea originality: the role of spontaneous eye blink rate on divergent thinking. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:17-27. [PMID: 35141768 PMCID: PMC9873774 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01658-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in human creative behaviour. Specifically, striatal dopamine seems to be associated with specific dimensions of divergent thinking performance, especially with categorical diversity (flexibility) of ideas. In experimental contexts, spontaneous Eye Blink Rate (sEBR) has been used as a proxy for striatal dopamine, and an inverted U-shape relationship between sEBR and flexibility has been demonstrated, such that a medium sEBR level predicts highest flexibility levels. The present study aimed at carrying out further investigations about the relationship between sEBR and idea generation through divergent thinking, specifically focusing on the relationship between idea originality and dopamine level, since originality is a key element for creativity. We asked 80 participants, whose sEBR at rest was measured, to perform an Alternative Uses Task (AUT) to measure their divergent thinking performance. Results revealed that the relationship between sEBR and originality, as measured through subjective ratings of external raters, followed an inverted U-shape function with medium sEBR being associated with highest originality scores. Moreover, and most importantly, we demonstrated that sEBR predicted originality through the mediation of flexibility. Our results provide further insights on the possible role of dopamine on divergent thinking performance, demonstrating that an adequate dopamine level may facilitate the generation of original ideas through the exploration of diverse conceptual categories (higher flexibility).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Agnoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128, Trieste, Italy.
- Marconi Institute for Creativity (MIC), Villa Griffone, Via dei Celestini 1, 40037, Sasso Marconi, Italy.
| | - Serena Mastria
- Marconi Institute for Creativity (MIC), Villa Griffone, Via dei Celestini 1, 40037, Sasso Marconi, Italy
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Zanon
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati, SISSA, Trieste, Italy, Via Bonomea, 265, 34136
| | - Giovanni Emanuele Corazza
- Marconi Institute for Creativity (MIC), Villa Griffone, Via dei Celestini 1, 40037, Sasso Marconi, Italy
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136, Bologna, Italy
- Université de Paris and Univ Gustave Eiffel, LaPEA, 92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang S, Yang X, Si S, Zhang J. The neurobiological basis of divergent thinking: Insight from gene co-expression network-based analysis. Neuroimage 2021; 245:118762. [PMID: 34838948 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many efforts have been made to explore the genetic basis of divergent thinking (DT), there is still a gap in the understanding of how these findings relate to the neurobiology of DT. In a combined sample of 1,682 Chinese participants, by integrating GWAS with previously identified brain-specific gene co-expression network modules, this study explored for the first time the functional brain-specific gene co-expression networks underlying DT. The results showed that gene co-expression network modules in anterior cingulate cortex, caudate, amygdala and substantia nigra were enriched with DT association signals. Further functional enrichment analysis showed that these DT-related gene co-expression network modules were enriched for key biological process and cellular component related to myelination, suggesting that cortical and sub-cortical grey matter myelination may serve as important neurobiological basis of DT. Although the underlying mechanisms need to be further refined, this exploratory study may provide new insight into the neurobiology of DT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaolei Yang
- College of Life Science, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Si Si
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jinghuan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Jinan 250014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chong A, Tolomeo S, Xiong Y, Angeles D, Cheung M, Becker B, Lai PS, Lei Z, Malavasi F, Tang Q, Chew SH, Ebstein RP. Blending oxytocin and dopamine with everyday creativity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16185. [PMID: 34376746 PMCID: PMC8355306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95724-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence suggests that oxytocin (OT) is associated with creative thinking (CT) and that release of OT depends on ADP ribosyl-cyclases (CD38 and CD157). Neural mechanisms of CT and OT show a strong association with dopaminergic (DA) pathways, yet the link between CT and CD38, CD157, dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) peripheral gene expression remain inconclusive, thus limiting our understanding of the neurobiology of CT. To address this issue, two principal domains of CT, divergent thinking (AUT), were assessed. In men, both AUT is associated with gene expression of CD38, CD157, and their interaction CD38 × CD157. There were no significant associations for DA expression (DRD2, COMT, DRD2 × COMT) on both CT measures. However, analysis of the interactions of OT and DA systems reveal significant interactions for AUT in men. The full model explained a sizable 39% of the variance in females for the total CT score. The current findings suggest that OT and DA gene expression contributed significantly to cognition and CT phenotype. This provides the first empirical foundation of a more refined understanding of the molecular landscape of CT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Chong
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Serenella Tolomeo
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yue Xiong
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dario Angeles
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mike Cheung
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Becker
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, The Clinical Hospital of the Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Chengdu, China
| | - Poh San Lai
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhen Lei
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), Chengdu, China
| | - Fabio Malavasi
- Department of Medical Science, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Fondazione Ricerca Molinette, Turin, Italy
| | - Qianzi Tang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Soo Hong Chew
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), Chengdu, China
- Department of Economics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- CCBEF (China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance), Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), Chengdu, China.
- College of Economics and Management, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen P, Zhang J, Qi Y. Distant Temporal Distance and Creative Thinking: The Mediating Role of Promotion Motivation. Front Psychol 2020; 11:576835. [PMID: 33240165 PMCID: PMC7677139 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.576835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the effect of distant temporal distance on creative thinking and the underlying motivation mechanism. We tested our hypotheses in four studies. In Studies 1–4, participants in the distant temporal distance opposed to the proximal temporal distance performed better on a series of creative thinking tasks: the Verbal Divergent Thinking Test (Study 1), the Chinese Remote Associates Test (Study 2), the Toy Design Task (Study 3) and the Ad Evaluation Task (Study 4). Moreover, Studies 2 and 3 found that promotion motivation mediated the beneficial effect of distant temporal distance on the performance of the two creative thinking tasks. In conclusion, distant temporal distance facilitated creative thinking, and promotion motivation mediated this beneficial effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Chen
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinghuan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jinghuan Zhang,
| | - Yiliang Qi
- Zhaogudui Township Government, Jining, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Si S, Zhang S, Zhang J. DRD2 Taq IA Polymorphism Interacts with Parenting in Predicting Creativity: Evidence of Differential Susceptibility. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2020.1821550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Si Si
- Shandong Normal University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim KH, Park SG. Relationship between Parents’ Cultural Values and Children’s Creativity. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2020.1821566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shin-Gyu Park
- Jikji Elementary School, Daegu National University of Education, Gimcheon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yu Q, Si S, Zhang S, Zhang J. Paternal indifference and neglect in early life and creativity: Exploring the moderating role of TPH1 genotype and offspring gender. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0221383. [PMID: 32726303 PMCID: PMC7390402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For further understanding the joint contribution of environment, heredity and gender to creativity, the present research examined the prospective impact of paternal indifference & neglect in early life, TPH1 rs623580, offspring gender, and the interaction effects thereof on creativity in five hundred and thirty-nine unrelated healthy Chinese undergraduate students. Paternal indifference & neglect in early life was assessed on the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and creativity on the Runco Creativity Assessment Battery (rCAB). Two primary findings emerged. Firstly, significant paternal indifference & neglect × TPH1 genotype interaction effects were identified in predicting all three dimensions of creativity (fluency, originality, and flexibility). Paternal indifference & neglect in early life negatively predicted fluency, originality, and flexibility when individuals carry A allele of TPH1 (rs623580). Secondly, there was a significant interaction effect of TPH1 genotype by offspring gender on flexibility. Only in males, individuals who carry A allele were linked with lower level of flexibility compared to TT homozygote individuals. No significant three-way interaction was found. In conclusion, the current findings provided the first preliminary evidence for the moderation effect of TPH1 on the relationship between parenting and creativity, and TPH1- offspring gender interaction on creativity; future studies are needed to validate these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yu
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Si Si
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinghuan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Genetic susceptibility to parenting style: DRD2 and COMT influence creativity. Neuroimage 2020; 213:116681. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
10
|
Association between DRD2 and ANKK1 polymorphisms with the deficit syndrome in schizophrenia. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2020; 19:39. [PMID: 32565876 PMCID: PMC7302002 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-020-00289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical course of schizophrenia varies among patients and is difficult to predict. Some patient populations present persistent negative symptoms, referred to as the deficit syndrome. Compared to relatives of non-deficit schizophrenia patients, family members of this patient population are at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of the deficit syndrome in schizophrenia. METHODS Three SNPs, i.e., rs1799732 and rs6276 located within DRD2, and rs1800497 within ANKK1, were identified in the DNA samples of 198 schizophrenia probands, including 103 patients with deficit (DS) and 95 patients with non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS). Results: No significant differences concerning any of the analyzed polymorphisms were found between DS and NDS patients. However, significant links were observed between family history of schizophrenia and the deficit syndrome, G/G genotype and rs6276 G allele. In a separate analysis, we identified significant differences in frequencies of rs6276 G allele between DS and NDS patients with family history of schizophrenia. No significant associations were found between DRD2 and ANKK1 SNPs and the age of onset or schizophrenia symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS The results of our preliminary study fail to provide evidence of associations between DRD2 and ANKK1 polymorphisms with the deficit syndrome or schizophrenia symptom severity, but suggest potential links between rs6276 in DRD2 and the deficit syndrome in patients with hereditary susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this observation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Baas M, Boot N, van Gaal S, de Dreu CK, Cools R. Methylphenidate does not affect convergent and divergent creative processes in healthy adults. Neuroimage 2020; 205:116279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
|
12
|
|
13
|
Khalil R, Godde B, Karim AA. The Link Between Creativity, Cognition, and Creative Drives and Underlying Neural Mechanisms. Front Neural Circuits 2019; 13:18. [PMID: 30967763 PMCID: PMC6440443 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2019.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Having a creative mind is one of the gateways for achieving fabulous success and remarkable progress in professional, personal and social life. Therefore, a better understanding of the neural correlates and the underlying neural mechanisms related to creative ideation is crucial and valuable. However, the current literature on neural systems and circuits underlying creative cognition, and on how creative drives such as motivation, mood states, and reward could shape our creative mind through the associated neuromodulatory systems [i.e., the dopaminergic (DA), the noradrenergic (NE) and the serotonergic (5-HT) system] seems to be insufficient to explain the creative ideation and production process. One reason might be that the mentioned systems and processes are usually investigated in isolation and independent of each other. Through this review, we aim at advancing the current state of knowledge by providing an integrative view on the interactions between neural systems underlying the creative cognition and the creative drive and associated neuromodulatory systems (see Figure 1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Khalil
- Department of Psychology and Methods, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ben Godde
- Department of Psychology and Methods, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ahmed A Karim
- Department of Psychology and Methods, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Health Psychology and Neurorehabilitation, SRH Mobile University, Riedlingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lin H, Vartanian O. A Neuroeconomic Framework for Creative Cognition. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2018; 13:655-677. [DOI: 10.1177/1745691618794945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuroeconomics is the study of the neurobiological bases of subjective preferences and choices. We present a novel framework that synthesizes findings from the literatures on neuroeconomics and creativity to provide a neurobiological description of creative cognition. We propose that value-based decision-making processes and activity in the locus ceruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) neuromodulatory system underlie creative cognition, as well as the large-scale brain network dynamics shown to be associated with creativity. This reconceptualization leads to several falsifiable hypotheses that can further understanding of creativity, decision making, and brain network dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hause Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Han W, Zhang M, Feng X, Gong G, Peng K, Zhang D. Genetic influences on creativity: an exploration of convergent and divergent thinking. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5403. [PMID: 30083479 PMCID: PMC6071619 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on the genetic basis of creativity have mainly focused on the biological mechanisms of divergent thinking, possibly limiting the exploration of possible candidate genes. Taking a cognition-based perspective, the present study investigated the genetic basis for both the divergent and the convergent thinking components of creativity. A total of 321 Chinese university students were recruited to complete the Guildford Unusual Using Test (UUT) for divergent thinking capability and the Remote Associates Test (RAT) for convergent thinking capability. The polymorphism of rs2576037 in KATNAL2 was related to the fluency and originality component scores of UUT, and the polymorphism of rs5993883 in COMT, rs362584 in SNAP25 was related to the RAT performance. These effects remained significant after considering the influence of age, gender and intelligence. Our results provide new evidence for the genetic basis of creativity and reveal the important role of gene polymorphisms in divergent and convergent thinking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Education College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | | | - Kaiping Peng
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Boot N, Baas M, Mühlfeld E, de Dreu CK, van Gaal S. Widespread neural oscillations in the delta band dissociate rule convergence from rule divergence during creative idea generation. Neuropsychologia 2017; 104:8-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
18
|
Yu Q, Zhang S, Zhang JH. Association of Dopamine D2 Receptor Gene with Creative Ideation. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2017.1302758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yu
- Shandong Normal University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bischoff AR, Pokhvisneva I, Léger É, Gaudreau H, Steiner M, Kennedy JL, O’Donnell KJ, Diorio J, Meaney MJ, Silveira PP. Dynamic interaction between fetal adversity and a genetic score reflecting dopamine function on developmental outcomes at 36 months. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177344. [PMID: 28505190 PMCID: PMC5432105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal adversity, evidenced by poor fetal growth for instance, is associated with increased risk for several diseases later in life. Classical cut-offs to characterize small (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns are used to define long term vulnerability. We aimed at exploring the possible dynamism of different birth weight cut-offs in defining vulnerability in developmental outcomes (through the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development), using the example of a gene vs. fetal adversity interaction considering gene choices based on functional relevance to the studied outcome. Methods 36-month-old children from an established prospective birth cohort (Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability, and Neurodevelopment) were classified according to birth weight ratio (BWR) (SGA ≤0.85, LGA >1.15, exploring a wide range of other cut-offs) and genotyped for polymorphisms associated with dopamine signaling (TaqIA-A1 allele, DRD2-141C Ins/Ins, DRD4 7-repeat, DAT1-10- repeat, Met/Met-COMT), composing a score based on the described function, in which hypofunctional variants received lower scores. Results There were 251 children (123 girls and 128 boys). Using the classic cut-offs (0.85 and 1.15), there were no statistically significant interactions between the neonatal groups and the dopamine genetic score. However, when changing the cut-offs, it is possible to see ranges of BWR that could be associated with vulnerability to poorer development according to the variation in the dopamine function. Conclusion The classic birth weight cut-offs to define SGA and LGA newborns should be seen with caution, as depending on the outcome in question, the protocols for long-term follow up could be either too inclusive—therefore most costly, or unable to screen true vulnerabilities—and therefore ineffective to establish early interventions and primary prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrianne R. Bischoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quèbec, Canada
| | - Étienne Léger
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quèbec, Canada
| | - Hélène Gaudreau
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quèbec, Canada
| | - Meir Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - James L. Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kieran J. O’Donnell
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quèbec, Canada
- Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josie Diorio
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quèbec, Canada
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quèbec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patrícia P. Silveira
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quèbec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Boot N, Baas M, van Gaal S, Cools R, De Dreu CKW. Creative cognition and dopaminergic modulation of fronto-striatal networks: Integrative review and research agenda. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 78:13-23. [PMID: 28419830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Creative cognition is key to human functioning yet the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are sparsely addressed and poorly understood. Here we address the possibility that creative cognition is a function of dopaminergic modulation in fronto-striatal brain circuitries. It is proposed that (i) creative cognition benefits from both flexible and persistent processing, (ii) striatal dopamine and the integrity of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway is associated with flexible processing, while (iii) prefrontal dopamine and the integrity of the mesocortical dopaminergic pathway is associated with persistent processing. We examine this possibility in light of studies linking creative ideation, divergent thinking, and creative problem-solving to polymorphisms in dopamine receptor genes, indirect markers and manipulations of the dopaminergic system, and clinical populations with dysregulated dopaminergic activity. Combined, studies suggest a functional differentiation between striatal and prefrontal dopamine: moderate (but not low or high) levels of striatal dopamine benefit creative cognition by facilitating flexible processes, and moderate (but not low or high) levels of prefrontal dopamine enable persistence-driven creativity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Boot
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthijs Baas
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon van Gaal
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, The Netherlands
| | - Roshan Cools
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Carsten K W De Dreu
- Department of Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Center for Experimental Economics and Political Decision Making (CREED), University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Promotion/prevention focus and creative performance: Is it moderated by evaluative stress? PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
22
|
Zhang S, Zhang J. The Association of DRD2 with Insight Problem Solving. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1865. [PMID: 27933030 PMCID: PMC5121534 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the insight phenomenon has attracted great attention from psychologists, it is still largely unknown whether its variation in well-functioning human adults has a genetic basis. Several lines of evidence suggest that genes involved in dopamine (DA) transmission might be potential candidates. The present study explored for the first time the association of dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) with insight problem solving. Fifteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering DRD2 were genotyped in 425 unrelated healthy Chinese undergraduates, and were further tested for association with insight problem solving. Both single SNP and haplotype analysis revealed several associations of DRD2 SNPs and haplotypes with insight problem solving. In conclusion, the present study provides the first evidence for the involvement of DRD2 in insight problem solving, future studies are necessary to validate these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University Jinan, China
| | - Jinghuan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Goto Y, Lee YA, Yamaguchi Y, Jas E. Biological mechanisms underlying evolutionary origins of psychotic and mood disorders. Neurosci Res 2016; 111:13-24. [PMID: 27230505 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Psychotic and mood disorders are brain dysfunctions that are caused by gene environment interactions. Although these disorders are disadvantageous and involve behavioral phenotypes that decrease the reproductive success of afflicted individuals in the modern human society, the prevalence of these disorders have remained constant in the population. Here, we propose several biological mechanisms by which the genes associated with psychotic and mood disorders could be selected for in specific environmental conditions that provide evolutionary bases for explanations of when, why, and where these disorders emerged and have been maintained in humans. We discuss the evolutionary origins of psychotic and mood disorders with specific focuses on the roles of dopamine and serotonin in the conditions of social competitiveness/hierarchy and maternal care and other potential mechanisms, such as social network homophily and symbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukiori Goto
- Cognition and Learning Section, Department of Cognitive Science, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan.
| | - Young-A Lee
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 712-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoshie Yamaguchi
- Cognition and Learning Section, Department of Cognitive Science, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan
| | - Emanuel Jas
- Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jiang W, Shang S, Su Y. Genetic influences on insight problem solving: the role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1569. [PMID: 26528222 PMCID: PMC4602104 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
People may experience an “aha” moment, when suddenly realizing a solution of a puzzling problem. This experience is called insight problem solving. Several findings suggest that catecholamine-related genes may contribute to insight problem solving, among which the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is the most promising candidate. The current study examined 753 healthy individuals to determine the associations between 7 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms on the COMT gene and insight problem-solving performance, while considering gender differences. The results showed that individuals carrying A allele of rs4680 or T allele of rs4633 scored significantly higher on insight problem-solving tasks, and the COMT gene rs5993883 combined with gender interacted with correct solutions of insight problems, specifically showing that this gene only influenced insight problem-solving performance in males. This study presents the first investigation of the genetic impact on insight problem solving and provides evidence that highlights the role that the COMT gene plays in insight problem solving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weili Jiang
- Department of Psychology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Shang
- Department of Psychology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University Beijing, China
| | - Yanjie Su
- Department of Psychology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang S, Zhang M, Zhang J. Association of COMT and COMT-DRD2 interaction with creative potential. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:216. [PMID: 24782743 PMCID: PMC3995040 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that genes involved in dopamine (DA) transmission may contribute to creativity. Among these genes, the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) and the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) are the most promising candidates. Our previous study has revealed evidence for the involvement of DRD2 in creative potential. The present study extended our previous study by systematically exploring the association of COMT with creative potential as well as the interaction between COMT and DRD2. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering COMT were genotyped in 543 healthy Chinese college students whose creative potentials were assessed by divergent thinking tests. Single SNP analysis showed that rs174697 was nominally associated with verbal originality, two SNPs (rs737865 and rs5993883) were nominally associated with figural fluency, and two SNPs (rs737865 and rs4680) were nominally associated with figural originality. Haplotype analysis showed that, the TCT and CCT haplotype (rs737865-rs174675-rs5993882) were nominally associated with figural originality, and the TATGCAG and CGCGGGA haplotype (rs4646312-rs6269-rs4633-rs6267-rs4818-rs4680-rs769224) were nominally associated with figural originality and verbal flexibility, respectively. However, none of these nominal findings survived correction for multiple testing. Gene-gene interaction analysis identified one significant four-way interaction of rs174675 (COMT), rs174697 (COMT), rs1076560 (DRD2), and rs4436578 (DRD2) on verbal fluency, one significant four-way interaction of rs174675 (COMT), rs4818 (COMT), rs1076560 (DRD2), and rs4648317 (DRD2) on verbal flexibility, and one significant three-way interaction of rs5993883 (COMT), rs4648319 (DRD2), and rs4648317 (DRD2) on figural flexibility. In conclusion, the present study provides nominal evidence for the involvement of COMT in creative potential and suggests that DA related genes may act in coordination to contribute to creativity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University Jinan, China
| | - Muzi Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University Jinan, China
| | - Jinghuan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|