Genes for psychosis and creativity: a promoter polymorphism of the neuregulin 1 gene is related to creativity in people with high intellectual achievement

Psychol Sci. 2009 Sep;20(9):1070-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02398.x. Epub 2009 Jul 6.

Abstract

Why are genetic polymorphisms related to severe mental disorders retained in the gene pool of a population? A possible answer is that these genetic variations may have a positive impact on psychological functions. Here, I show that a biologically relevant polymorphism of the promoter region of the neuregulin 1 gene (SNP8NRG243177/rs6994992) is associated with creativity in people with high intellectual and academic performance. Intriguingly, the highest creative achievements and creative-thinking scores were found in people who carried the T/T genotype, which was previously shown to be related to psychosis risk and altered prefrontal activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles*
  • Creativity*
  • Educational Status*
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / genetics*
  • Male
  • Neuregulin-1 / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics*
  • Psychotic Disorders / genetics*

Substances

  • NRG1 protein, human
  • Neuregulin-1