Genetic Basis of a Cognitive Complexity Metric
Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Relational complexity (RC) is a metric reflecting capacity limitation in relational processing. It plays a crucial role in higher cognitive processes and is an endophenotype for several disorders. However, the genetic underpinnings of complex relational processing have not been investigated. Using the classical twin model, we estimated the heritability of RC and genetic overlap with intelligence (IQ), reasoning, and working memory in a twin and sibling sample aged 15-29 years (N = 787). Further, in an exploratory search for genetic loci contributing to RC, we examined associated genetic markers and genes in our Discovery sample and selected loci for replication in four independent samples (ALSPAC, LBC1936, NTR, NCNG), followed by meta-analysis (N>6500) at the single marker level. Twin modelling showed RC is highly heritable (67%), has considerable genetic overlap with IQ (59%), and is a major component of genetic covariation between reasoning and working memory (72%). At the molecular level, we found preliminary support for four single-marker loci (one in the gene DGKB), and at a gene-based level for the NPS gene, having influence on cognition. These results indicate that genetic sources influencing relational processing are a key component of the genetic architecture of broader cognitive abilities. Further, they suggest a genetic cascade, whereby genetic factors influencing capacity limitation in relational processing have a flow-on effect to more complex cognitive traits, including reasoning and working memory, and ultimately, IQ.
Source: PLoS ONE
Authors: Narelle K. Hansell, Graeme S. Halford, Glenda Andrews, David H. K. Shum, Sarah E. Harris, Gail Davies, Sanja Franic, Andrea Christoforou, Brendan Zietsch, Jodie Painter, Sarah E. Medland, Erik A. Ehli, Gareth E. Davies, Vidar M. Steen, Astri J. Lundervold, Ivar Reinvang, Grant W. Montgomery, Thomas Espeseth, Hilleke E. Hulshoff Pol, John M. Starr, Nicholas G. Martin, Stephanie Le Hellard, Dorret I. Boomsma, Ian J. Deary, Margaret J. Wright
Institutions: QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Griffith University, University of Edinburgh, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, The University of Queensland, Haraldsplass Diakonale Sykehus, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Alzheimer Scotland
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,382
Funders: Wellcome Trust, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Australian Research Council, National Institute of Mental Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Awards: G1154299264, Identifying genes for cognition, G2509750948, G294002421, Collaborative Study of Genetics of Dizygotic Twinning, The Avon Longitudinal Study for Parents and Children: An international resource for population genomic and lifecourse epidemiology. Core programme support 2014-2019., G4641403149, G4748868893, G5067462658, The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children: An international resource for population genomics and lifecourse epidemiology. Core Programme Support 2011-2013., G5747968190, G6073771368, G6430600469, G6689231961, A genome-wide association study of non-pathological cognitive ageing, G714453740, G8008854164, G8263226176, G8337850540, Major Depression: Stage 1 Genomewide Association in Population-Based Samples
OpenAlex ID: W2156028639