28th International Congress of Psychology August 8 ... - U-netSURF

Behavior genetic research in the era of the post genome
Convener and Chair: M. Carlier, France
3045.1 Behavior genetics in China and South Asia: An overview, Buxin Han, Institute of
Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Aim: Behavioral genetic studies in China and South Asia were reviewed. Method: Articles were
retrieved through MEDLINE and CNKI (Chinese database). Results: Compare with those from
East Asia (e.g., Japan) or West Asia (e.g., Israel), less than 10 studies were reported by researchers
from China and India, but no report from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Twin study and
gene mutant technique were used. Behavioral and genetic basis of intelligence, aging process, and
longevity were areas of interest. Conclusion: Behavioral genetics is just start in China and South
Asia, given that the Human Genome studies are promising in this area.
3045.2 The tale of two genomes, P.L. Roubertoux 1 , M. Carlier 2 , 1 Institut de Neurosciences
cognitives INPC, Marseille, France; 2 Université de Provence, Provence, France
Our cells contain the nuclear genome that encompasses about 30,000 genes. Besides, each cell
contains a small 37-genes mitochondrial genome. We knew that nuclear DNA modulates
mitochondrial DNA. We show that mitochondrial DNA modulates also the expression of nuclear
genes. We demonstrated that this modulation affects brain morphology and behavior (Roubertoux,
Sluyter, Carlier et al., Nature Genetics, 2003, 35, 65-69). We present here a comprehensive view
of these modulator effects. Nuclear genes are over or under expressed by mitochondrial DNA. We
draw the consequences for cognitive functioning, mental retardation, neurological diseases and
psychiatric disorders.
3045.3 Genetics of working memory and brain function: A twin study in Japan, J. Ando, Keio
University, Tokyo, Japan
Individual differences of working memory is significantly correlated with higher order cognitive
abilities, especially general intelligence (g). The current twin study aims at depicting overall
genetic structure of g, several kinds of working memory indices, and ERP (event related potential)
parameters - putative correlates of brain function with about one hundred pairs of adult Japanese
twins. General intelligence is measured by the subscales of WAIS. Working memory indices are
measured in terms of verbal and spatial function by dual task paradigm as well as the delayed
response tasks which also tap ERP (P300 latency).
3045.4 Genetic and environmental influences on self-concept in female preadolescent twins:
Comparison of Korean and Minnesota data, Y.M. Hur 1 , M. McGue 2 , W.G. Iacono 2 , 1 Hansung
University, Seoul, Korea; 2 Psychology Department, University of Minnesota, USA
It has been argued that culture significantly influences the developmental basis of self-concept.
Using the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scales, the present study compared self-concept of
the preadolescent female twins from the Minnesota Twin Family Study (MTFS) and those from
the Seoul Twin Family Study (STFS). Overall, the MTFS twins showed higher self-concept than
the STFS twins. Variances and the MZ and DZ twin correlations for the self-concept scales in the
MTFS twins were generally lower than those in the STFS twins. Behavior genetic models
incorporating mean differences between the two twin samples were fit to the data.
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