Genetic polymorphisms related to testosterone metabolism in intellectually gifted boys

PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e54751. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054751. Epub 2013 Jan 30.

Abstract

Prepubertal testosterone levels are lower in intellectually gifted boys. The aim of this pilot study was to analyze potential genetic factors related to testosterone metabolism in control and gifted boys. Intellectually gifted (IQ>130; n = 95) and control (n = 67) boys were genotyped. Polymorphisms of interests were chosen in genes including androgen and estrogen receptors, 5-alpha reductase, aromatase and sex hormone binding globulin. Significant differences between control and gifted boys in genotype distributions were found for ESR2 (rs928554) and SHBG (rs1799941). A significantly lower number of CAG repeats in the AR gene were found in gifted boys. Our results support the role of genetic factors related to testosterone metabolism in intellectual giftedness. Increased androgen signaling might explain previous results of lower testosterone levels in intellectually gifted boys and add to the understanding of variability in cognitive abilities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alleles
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / genetics*
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*
  • Receptors, Androgen / genetics
  • Testosterone / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Testosterone

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the Framework Programme for Research and Technology Development, project: Building of Centre of Excellency for Sudden Cerebral Vascular Events, Comenius University Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava (ITMS: 26240120023), cofinanced by European Regional Development Fund. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.