The vast majority of humanity writes with their right hand, but about 10% are left-handed. New study finds rare gene variants 2.7 times more common in left-handed people, agency reported Tuesday Reuters. The TUBB4B gene may play a role role in the development of cerebral asymmetry underlying the definition dominant hand.
In most people, the two hemispheres of the brain dominate various functions, and “the left hemisphere also controls the dominant right hand,” explained neuroscientist Clyde Franks, author of the study published in the journal. Natural communications.
“The corresponding nerve fibers cross from left to right in the lower part of the brain. In left-handed people, the right hemisphere controls the dominant hand. The question is, what causes brain asymmetry to develop differently in left-handed people?” he pointed out. TUBB4B controls a protein that integrates into threads called microtubules that provide internal structure to cells. The identification of rare mutations in this gene, which are more common in left-handed people, suggests that microtubules are involved in creating normal brain asymmetry, Franks said.
The results are based on genetic data from more than 350,000 UK adults.
The study also found evidence relevant to the field of psychiatry. According to the neuroscientist, people with schizophrenia are about twice as likely to be left-handed or ambidextrous, and people with autism are about three times more likely.
“Some genes that function in the developing brain early in life may be involved in both brain asymmetry and mental disorders,” he noted.
Author: Miguel Bravo Morais This Philippa Novais
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.