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| Gene That Prevents Male Violence Discovered by Otago Researchers |
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| Author : Otago
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| Created : 17 Aug 2002
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| Last Revision : 17 Aug 2002
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Gene That Prevents Male Violence Discovered by Otago Researchers
World-first research shows gene stops cycle of violence
A gene that may help to explain antisocial and violent behaviour in men, has been discovered by a team of researchers from the University of Otago and the University of London.
The world first research, receiving international acclaim, shows that a gene controlling an enzyme in the brain, in combination with a history of childhood maltreatment, is an effective indicator of future antisocial behaviour in males.
The study, which was carried out at the University's Dunedin Multidisciplinary Unit, examined a group of 442 male children from childhood to adulthood (26 years). Of the 442 subjects, 154 had been maltreated, 33 severely.
Approximately 85% of the severely maltreated children with low levels of the enzyme, MAOA (monoamine oxidase A), developed antisocial behaviours. This included convictions for violent crimes and antisocial personality disorders.
Few of those with the gene producing high levels of MAOA, developed antisocial behaviours, despite being maltreated. Study Director, Dr Richie Poulton says this suggests that the gene protects against the cycle of violence.
"These findings may explain why not all victims of maltreatment grow up to victimise others", says Dr Poulton. "It is possible that some genes may promote resistance to stress and trauma."
Maltreatment (as defined in the study) took place in the first ten years of life. It included rejection by the child's mother, frequent changes of primary caregiver, physical abuse resulting in injury, and sexual abuse. Many of the children had experienced more than one of these forms of maltreatment.
The gene is found on the X chromosome. While males have only one copy of this chromosome, women have two and are therefore much more likely to have at least one copy of the protective gene, says Dr Poulton. "This might help explain why severe antisocial behaviour is more common among men than women."
The discovery also has important implications for genetic research. "Because this study has shown that environmental or social factors actually �activate' the gene, other studies will be able to take account of the environmental risk status of research participants. This should enable scientists to make quicker progress towards discovering associations between genes and other disorders or diseases."
The research is already attracting attention from overseas. One of the world's most prestigious journals � Science � will publish the full study today. Science is published by The American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world's largest general scientific society, and is renowned for its coverage of high profile research.
It is not the first time the University's Multidisciplinary Unit has received international coverage. The research released today is the result of a much broader study which began 30 years ago. A group of more than 1000 children born in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1972 and 1973 have been continually assessed by the Unit as part of a unique human development study.
Conclusions about their physical and psychological growth have been used in more than 800 papers released by the research team. The papers have impacted on the provision of education and health services, and the creation of social policy in New Zealand and overseas.
The unit is partly funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. Council Executive Director, Dr Bruce Scoggins, says the internationally-renowned Dunedin study might just be "the richest archive the world has on human development."
Notes to the Editor
The Dunedin Multidisciplinary study is funded by the following institutions:
The University of Wisconsin Graduate School.
The UK Medical Research Council.
The US National Institute of Mental Health.
The Health Research Council of New Zealand.
A Royal Society-Wolfson Research Merit Award to Terrie Moffitt.
Antisocial outcomes or behaviour referred to in the release include the following:
The psychiatric diagnosis of adolescent conduct disorder (persistent fighting, bullying, lying, stealing, cruelty to people or animals, vandalism, and disobeying rules).
Official court records of conviction for violent offences (assault, robbery, rape, domestic violence, homicide).
Aggressive personality traits (willingness to harm others for own advantage, interest in and enjoyment of violent material).
Symptoms of adult antisocial personality disorder ( a long-term history of repeated law violations, deceitfulness, conning, impulsivity, physical aggression and irresponsibility with respect to jobs, spouse, or children, plus lack of remorse).
Authors of the study based at the University of Otago: Judy Martin, Richie Poulton.
Authors of the study based at the University of London: Avshalom Caspi, Joseph McClay, Terrie E Moffitt, Jonathan Mill, Ian W Craig, Alan Taylor.
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