MAOA Gene Associated with Aggressive Behavior in Humans

Abstract

The focus on behavioral genetics is primarily associated with destructive and anti-social behavioral activity and its findings are dispersed to the human beings. Behavioral genetics is multi-disciplinary, involving academic areas such as biology, genetics, psychology, social science and humanities. Monoamine oxidase is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in metabolism of various biological amines which are important neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric disorders. In this review, the inheritance pattern and clinically significant polymorphisms of MAOA gene has been described. The results of abnormal behavior among human beings have stimulated research in understanding the relationship between metabolomic, genetic makeup which is surrounding with the environmental factors. The findings from behavioral research have ability to change the individual’s characters. Recent, research studies have documented that genetics may contribute for violent and anti-social behavior.