The Impact of Sequencing Human Genome on Genetic Determinism. Is our Behavior Controlled by our Genes?

The purpose of this abstract is to predict if our behavior is controlled by our genes written in the inner working of our biological make-up, that is in our genome. Genetic determinism is the belief that genes are the sole or primary determinants of human behavior, including health and development. It is believed that most traits have some type of genetic basis. Biological determinism refers to the idea that all human behavior is innate and determined by genes. Research into the human genome provides evidence to support the idea of biological determinism. However, no genes are identified for general behavior, but recent studies link specific genes to intelligence and violence. If genetic link is confirmed by additional studies, we can use this knowledge to benefit humanity. For example, researchers have found that a particular gene (IGF2r) is implicated in intelligence. Using genetic engineering techniques, could we cut, paste and copy this gene to produce intelligent children. (remind you that Germline gene therapy is not permitted). On the other hand, if a bad behavior gene is found, could we design drugs to shut off that gene. For example, recent evidence showed that there is a link between serotonin, the neurotransmitter, and major depressive disorders., including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, violence, addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and violence. Many medications are used to increase the level of serotonin to treat anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. The gene that encodes for the serotonin transporter is called solute carrier family 6 (neurotransmitter transporter, serotonin), member 4(SLC6A4). In humans the gene is found on chromosome 17 on location 17q11. Chromosome-17 is a very large chromosome made of 92 million nucleotide base pairs and carry 1,394 genes. Although it appears challenging to identify the mutation, but by comparing with the reference sequence data, we should be able to identify the mutated genes responsible for causing violence. Once the gene is identified, we could design drugs to shut off that gene. By making AZQ (US Patent 4,233,215), to treat Glioblastoma, the human brain tumor, I have described below that once the mutated nucleotide is identified, how can we design drugs to shut off that gene so that the patients live a normal life.