Facial Expression Response Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in a Hands-On and Cross-Field Laboratory Experiment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Interdisciplinary research can simultaneously broaden student interest and improve creative thinking abilities. We designed a cross-field (Biology/Genetics, Psychology) laboratory-based teaching module running across two, 2–3-hour laboratory periods, that incorporates diverse molecular techniques and a novel phenotype assessment, as well as basic statistics and bioinformatics. Our module focuses on the human CNR1 gene. Expression of CNR1 in the brain and nervous system is one of many factors that may impact mood and cognition. CNR1 variants have previously been correlated to striatal and visual response to images of happy faces. Using this work as a basis, we developed a relatively low-cost genotyping protocol for a common CNR1 intron variant, including DNA extraction, PCR amplification, restriction enzyme digest, and gel electrophoresis. To assess students’ facial-recognition phenotypes, we developed a digital assessment to measure student response times to images of happy and angry faces. Compiling (anonymized) class data allows for the introduction of statistical testing, and basic bioinformatic investigation is applied to introduce students to NIH dbSNP, PCR primer design, and NCBI BLAST. Facial images in our phenotype assessment are drawn from the NimStim Database and are adjustable using this or similar resources or freely available artificial intelligence (AI)-based image generators, to reflect student ethnic/age/gender composition in individual school settings or to introduce students to additional diversity. This module has been run across four semesters of a junior-/senior-level undergraduate genetics laboratory course (average ca. 14 students/section), with consistent genotyping success. Included are student and teacher instructions for laboratory exercises, and online phenotype assessment resources. Primary Image: The human CNR1 locus carries a variant site (rs6454674) previously associated with neural response to images of happy faces. Two primary variants at this site can be distinguished by digestion with the Tsp45I restriction enzyme and subsequently tested for correlation to response times to happy and angry (against neutral) facial expressions.
Source: CourseSource
DOI: 10.24918/cs.2025.15
Authors: Matthew B. Parks, J. Adam Randell
Institution: University of Central Oklahoma
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411867629