What is the warrior gene theory?

People with the so-called “warrior gene” exhibit higher levels of behavioral aggression in response to provocation, according to new research. In the experiment, subjects penalized opponents by administering varying amounts of hot sauce.

How do you know if you have the warrior gene?

Phil’s Web site links to a company called FamilyTreeDNA, “the leading direct-to-consumer DNA testing company in the world. ” Send a cheek scraping to the company and it will tell you if you have the warrior gene for $69—$99 if you don’t go through Dr. Phil’s Web site.

What is the warrior gene biologically and why is it given this name?

Biologically, one factor that’s getting a lot of attention is a mutation that causes low activity in the MAO-A gene. Some people refer to this form of the gene (somewhat romantically) as the “warrior gene,” because research suggests that people with that gene may be more aggressive.

Is the warrior gene hereditary?

This condition is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern . The gene associated with this condition is located on the X chromosome, which is one of the two sex chromosomes . In males (who have only one X chromosome), one altered copy of the gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition.

Are there any proxy SNPs for the warrior gene?

So for example those with the rs909525 ‘C’ allele are likely to have 3 repeats within the MAOA VNTR (3R). 14 15 Importantly, the proxy for 5R requires that you have all three of the risk alleles below rs909525 ‘C’, rs3027399 ‘G’ and rs6323 ‘T’. There currently isn’t a proxy SNP available for the 2R form although this is very rare.

How to find out if you have the warrior gene?

How to find out if you carry the warrior gene. Common myths about the Warrior Gene. Myth 1: The MAOA “warrior gene” is rare. Myth 2: Men can be heterozygous for MAOA. Myth 3: The aggressiveness associated with the “warrior gene” is caused by SNPs. Myth 4: Having less active MAO-A will make you more aggressive.

How does the warrior gene affect the MAOA gene?

The “Warrior Gene” variant reduces function in the MAOA gene. Because men have one copy of the X-chromosome, a variant that reduces the function of this gene has more of an influence on them.

Why are people with the warrior gene more aggressive?

However, human behavior is complex and influenced by many factors, including genetics and our environment. Individuals with the Warrior Gene are not necessarily more aggressive, but according to scientific studies, are more likely to be aggressive than those without the Warrior Gene variant.