Gene involved in cell shape offers clues on left-handedness

Gene involved in cell shape offers clues on left-handedness

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Context:

• Notable figures across various fields, such as Lady Gaga, Barack Obama, and Bill Gates, share a common trait of being left-handed, a characteristic found in approximately 10% of the population.

Role of the TUBB4B gene:

• Recent research has highlighted a genetic component to left-handedness, identifying rare variants of the gene TUBB4B, which are 2.7 times more common in left-handed individuals. These variants are involved in cell shape control but only account for a very small percentage of left-handedness cases.
• The gene TUBB4B may influence brain asymmetry development, which is associated with the determination of the dominant hand. Typically, brain hemispheres have different functions, with most people exhibiting left-hemisphere dominance for language.
• The study, involving genetic data from over 350,000 individuals in the UK Biobank, suggests that while genetics can play a role, the majority of left-handedness cases likely result from random developmental variations in the embryonic brain.
• Historically, left-handedness was stigmatized, with cultural and linguistic biases favouring right-handedness. This stigma has led to efforts to convert left-handed individuals to right-handedness in various cultures.
• The prevalence of left-handedness varies globally, with lower rates observed in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, possibly reflecting cultural suppression of left-handedness.
• The study also explores the potential link between left-handedness and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and autism, suggesting that genes influencing early brain development may contribute to both brain asymmetry and certain psychiatric traits.

Source: TH