We now know that a mutation in MAOA gene excessively impact the person's susceptibility to aggressive behavior. However, research reports that findings regarding this gene were more consistent in males than females, although there are no apparent reasons for this. Why does this happen?
The relationship between sexual dimorphism and MAOA genotype is beyond skepticism. Findings such as estrogen altered expression pattern of MAOA and epigenetic modifications (methylation pattern), heritability provide substantial evidence for the role of sexual dimorphism in the MAOA gene (genotype) associated phenotypes. As mentioned by Craig S Wilding, MAOA is X linked which also provided additional level of genetic predisposition.
In simple words, since the gene is an X-linked one, a mutation in the only existing allele would manifest the disease in most if not all affected males, while in females, the heterozygous state would lead to a non-manifesting carrier female (mostly normal phenotype); only few heterozygous females would manifest the disease due to skewed X-inactivation (Lyon's hypothesis). Other than this, females would be phenotypically affected in homozygous state as well.
That is why male would show diseases manifestations more consistently than females.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Molecular Biology