Generalist genes: implications for the cognitive sciences.

Full Abstract

In the 'generalist genes' hypothesis, it is suggested that the same genes affect most cognitive abilities and disabilities. This recently proposed hypothesis is based on considerable multivariate genetic research showing that there is substantial genetic overlap between such broad areas of cognition as language, reading, mathematics and general cognitive ability. We assume that the hypothesis is correct and consider here its implications for cognitive neuroscience. In our opinion, the two key genetic concepts of pleiotropy (in which one gene affects many traits) and polygenicity (in which many genes affect a trait) that underlie the generalist genes hypothesis imply a 'generalist brain'. That is, the genetic input into brain structure and function is general not specific.

Author information

Author/s: Kovas, Yulia (Y); Plomin, Robert (R);

Affiliation: Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. y.kovas(-atsign-)iop.kcl.ac.uk

Grants: HD44454 (Agency:NICHD NIH HHS) ; HD46167 (Agency:NICHD NIH HHS) ; HD49861 (Agency:NICHD NIH HHS) ; (Agency:Wellcome Trust)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Trends in cognitive sciences (Trends Cogn Sci), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-May; vol 10 (issue 5) : pp 198-203

Dates: Created 2006/05/15; Completed 2006/11/09; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 16580870, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Trends Cogn Sci. 2006 Sep;10(9):397-8; author reply 398. (PMID: 16899393)

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