Myth 1: The MAOA “warrior gene” is rare The alleles connected with aggression are carried by approximately 33% of the population, so if it's just the MAOA genetic variant that makes us “warriors,” then there are lots of warriors running around out there.
It's this low-functioning, shortened gene linked to violent behavior that has become known as the “warrior gene,” and one-third of the male population has it.
Summary: 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.
Monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) has earned the nickname “warrior gene” because it has been linked to aggression in observational and survey-based studies.
Of the total number of boys studied (422), 12% were found to have both the warrior gene and mistreatment in their childhoods, but this 12% (55) were said to be 10 times more likely to be convicted of the violent crime by the age of 26 years old.
The Warrior Gene was found to be more or less prevalent in different ethnic groups [6]. The 3R version, which produces less MAO-A, was found in 59% of Black men, 56% of Maori men (an aboriginal New Zealand group), 54% of Chinese men and 34% of Caucasian men.
Myth 1: The MAOA “warrior gene” is rare
Fact: We all carry the MAOA gene, just some of us have a form which may be linked with aggression.
Bundy had several psychological and biological dispositions, and the MAOA gene can be concluded as one of them. One his biggest problem was that he was raised by his grandparents on the belief that his mother was his sister (Biography, 2015). Bundy began his criminal career when he was 28 years old.
The Warrior Gene is a variant of the gene MAO-A on the X chromosome. Recent studies have linked the Warrior Gene to increased risk-taking and aggressive behavior.
Many studies suggest that changes in the MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) gene may increase aggressive or violent behavior in people, leading to possible psychopathic behavior. The MAOA gene gives instructions to produce the monoamine oxidase enzyme.
The MAOA gene codes for the enzyme monoamine oxidase-A which plays a key role in the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Individuals with defects in the MAOA gene that are associated with a low dopamine turnover rate have been shown to be more prone to aggressive behavior than their counterparts.
One variant is referred to as the “Worrier” gene; it breaks down catecholamines more slowly. The second variant is referred to as the “Warrior” gene; it breaks down these neurotransmitters more quickly. Those with the slow breakdown Worrier variant tend to do well in school and work, but they worry.
In August 2006, a media storm arose in Aotearoa New Zealand around the so-called “warrior gene”, a variant of the monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) gene that has reported associations with aggression and risk-taking behavior.
And while it is true that you get half of your genes from each parent, the genes from your father are more dominant, especially when it comes to your health.
"It's even called the warrior gene by some scientists, but, at least for women, our study points to a brighter side of this gene." While they experience higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, women tend to report greater overall life happiness than do men. The reason for this remains unclear, Chen said.
The story of the warrior gene dates back to the early 1990s, when several groups reported a link between violent aggression and a gene on the X chromosome that encodes for an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), which regulates the function of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
Last year, while Alice was still in The Farm, she told her daughter that she had the gene. Back then, it was unclear if we could believe Alice, but now Betty knows for a fact that she possesses the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene.
This is a next generation sequencing (NGS) test appropriate for individuals with clinical signs and symptoms, suspicion of, or family history of Monoamine Oxidase A Deficiency. Sequence variants and/or copy number variants (deletions/duplications) within the MAOA gene will be detected with >99% sensitivity.
The MAOA gene –located in the X chromosome- is also known as the warrior gene, since abnormal versions of the gene often result in aggressive behaviors.
Single Gene test price: $1000. Panel prices range from $1450 to $1750.
MSTN or “Hercules'” gene
It's a gene common among bodybuilders, powerlifters and Belgian blue cows (known to pack on up to 40% more muscle).
Physical activity plays a complex regulatory role in the activity of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Moderate exercise causes an overall increase in monoamine transmission that improves brain function, motivation, and adaptation to exercise [248, 189].
Despite being over-represented in New Zealand's criminal fraternity and prison population, Maori do not have a "warrior gene" that makes them violent, new research shows.