"Nature" publishes genetic research: more than 1,000 genetic variants related to personality are identified

China News Service, Beijing, September 5 (Reporter Sun Zifa) A recent genetics paper published in the international academic journal "Nature" stated that researchers conducted a meta-analysis of data from more than 1 million participants and identified more than 1,000 genetic variants related to the five major human personalities.

Schematic diagram related to this study. Photo courtesy Springer Nature

The study explored potential links between DNA variants and personality differences, focusing on five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience. The authors of the paper emphasize that the results of this study do not indicate that DNA can directly predict personality, but suggest that certain variants may affect behavioral traits, although other environmental factors may still have a greater impact on personality development.

The paper introduces that human personality traits can be divided into five major categories, called the "Big Five." Among them, extraversion includes traits such as sociability, decisiveness, and energy levels; agreeableness includes compassion, respect, and trust; conscientiousness includes organization, efficiency, and responsibility; neuroticism includes anxiety, depression, and mood swings; and openness includes imagination, curiosity, and aesthetic sensitivity.

Over the past 100 years, many studies have shown that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to personality differences. However, identifying genetic traits associated with personality traits is challenging because multiple genes may be involved and very large sample sizes of participants are required to establish meaningful associations.

In this study, the first author and co-corresponding author of the paper, Ted Schwaba of Michigan State University, USA, and his collaborators conducted a meta-analysis of the results of genome-wide association studies in 46 cohorts, covering a total of 1.14 million participants. Their analysis found 1,260 genetic variants related to personality, including 824 new variants that had not been previously found to be related to personality.

Further research found that these associations between genetic variation and the Big Five personality traits are complex, with each trait associated with a combination of multiple variations, but applicable to different human groups (such as categories by age or geographic location); approximately 7.4% to 10.6% of the variation in populations for each personality trait is related to measurable genetic variation that is common in the population. However, other factors, such as the environment, can have a strong influence on human personality traits.

The authors of the paper concluded that the findings of this study may be helpful for further research on factors affecting personality. (over)