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The Role of Genetics in Determining Individual and Cognitive Traits in Human
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Amir Houshang Nejadeh1   , Mahbobeh Jamshidi1 , Kazem Malakouti2 |
1- Member of ADLM, Ayandeh Pathobiology and Genetics Laboratory, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (37 Views) |
The role of genetics in determining human cognitive and behavioral traits is a key topic in biological sciences and psychology, which has seen significant advancements in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that genetic factors, in conjunction with environmental influences, contribute to behavioral traits such as emotional reactivity, risk-taking propensity, and social interactions. Additionally, strong associations have been identified between specific genetic variants and cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. However, these traits result from complex gene-environment interactions, and genetic influences alone do not determine them. Twin and family studies indicate that the heritability of certain traits varies across the lifespan, with genetic influence on intelligence increasing with age, likely due to gene-environment correlation. Furthermore, recent research has shown that epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, can regulate gene expression in response to environmental experiences, thereby affecting behavior and cognition. The role of epigenetics in psychiatric disorders and personality traits has also been extensively studied, with evidence linking epigenetic mechanisms to emotional regulation and cognitive processing. This review analyzes recent findings on genetic influences on behavior and cognition, emphasizing the critical role of gene-environment interactions in shaping these traits.
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| Keywords: Genetics, Heritability, Cognition, Behavior, Intelligence, Psychiatric Disorders, Gene-Environment Interaction, Epigenetics, Polygenic, Genetic Network |
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Full-Text [PDF 561 kb]
(24 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
ژنتیک
Received: 2025/12/15 | Accepted: 2025/12/15 | Published: 2025/12/15
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