My Defective CHRM2 Gene
Although I can’t be certain, I’m almost sure that I have a defective CHRM2 gene, a neuronal receptor gene on chromosome 7, which has been linked to performance IQ that encompasses:
- Visual-motor coordination – I fall off bikes easily even when there aren’t any visible obstacles.
- Logical and sequential reasoning – You can see for yourself that I am deficient in this area.
- Spatial perception – I often slam into the door frame when going through doors.
- Abstract problem solving skills – I am absolute rubbish at most puzzles and games.
I’m not taking the results particularly seriously since study participants weren’t recruited for a study specifically about intelligence; they were part of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. Not saying that alcoholism and intelligence are linked, but families that have a history of alcohol dependence may not be the most representative of the general population. And, there’s no known biological explanation for how CHRM2 might influence intelligence.
In any case, even if you have one or two “bad” variations in the CHRM2 gene, you’ll probably be alright. Just look at me. I’m living proof. (Although I have been training my brain.)
EurekAlert!, February 26, 2007
Tags: genetics, genomes, genes, dna, diseases, illness, health, medicine, chrm2 gene, intelligence, iq
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Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] And in the “Everything has a genetic explanation” department, the Gene Genie presents articles from Thomas Yoon (Your Oral Health) and Hsien-Hsien Lei (Genetics & Health). First off, Thomas talks about a possible genetic basis for aggressive periodontal (gum) disease. This form of gum disease is different from the milder form you can get from not brushing and flossing regularily. Thomas points out that aggressive periodontitis is a phenotype of several genetics disorders, and then discusses some of the genes that may be involved in susceptibility to gum disease. For her submission, Hsien-Hsien Lei puts a comical spin on a recent finding that the CHRM2 gene is linked to performance on IQ tests. CHRM2 codes for a cholinerginc receptor protein, defects in which may explain some of the problems that Dr. Lei experiences in her day-to-day life ;^) [...]
[...] some of the genes that may be involved in susceptibility to gum disease. For her submission, Hsien-Hsien Lei puts a comical spin on a recent finding that the CHRM2 gene is linked to performance on IQ tests. CHRM2 codes for a cholinerginc receptor protein, defects in [...]
[...] the D4-7 gene variant associated with risk taking, the stathmin gene associated with fear, and the CHRM2 gene associated with performance IQ, so that candidates can be matched with the appropriate [...]