A groundbreaking international study led by the University of Granada (UGR) has utilized artificial intelligence to reveal the intricate relationship between personality and gene expression. The study published in Molecular Psychiatry uncovers the impact of individual personalities on gene expression, offering new perspectives on the interconnectedness of mind and body.
Researchers from the Andalusian Interuniversity Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (DaSCI) at UGR, in collaboration with experts from Washington University in St. Louis, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Young Finns Study in Finland, conducted a comprehensive analysis on how an individual’s personality traits influence gene expression, subsequently affecting their overall health and well-being. This study marks the first of its kind to explore the transcription of the entire genome in relation to human personality.
The study, which delved into the regulation of gene expression based on different personality profiles, identified three distinct levels of self-awareness – unregulated, organized, and creative. Individuals classified under the creative category, demonstrating self-transcendent behaviors and adaptive habits, exhibited a positive correlation with overall well-being compared to those falling under the organized and unregulated categories.
UGR researcher Coral del Val, co-lead author of the study, highlighted two key discoveries. First, the identification of a network of 4,000 genes clustered into specific modules associated with regions of the brain, with some genes previously linked to human personality traits. Second, the revelation of a functional interaction network orchestrated by two sub-networks, regulating emotional reactivity and the perception of meaning. Notably, a control hub comprising six genes coordinates the networks for emotion and meaning, showcasing their vital role in gene expression regulation across different species.
Igor Zwir from UGR emphasized the strong association between levels of self-awareness and gene expression regulation, suggesting that cultivating a self-transcendent outlook on life could enhance health and well-being. While further research is needed to confirm the mediating role of gene expression regulation in well-being, interventions promoting self-transcendence and mindfulness have shown promising effects on overall health outcomes.
The study also shed light on the enrichment of various gene types within the integrated molecular network, particularly highlighting RNAs involved in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a crucial process for rapid adaptation to stress and synthesis of essential life components. The preservation of genes crucial for cellular life underscores the evolutionary significance of gene expression in shaping human health and personality traits.
Professor Cloninger underscored the interconnected nature of the mind and body, emphasizing the potential for self-cultivation in enhancing overall well-being through open-ended possibilities. The innovative computational methodologies employed in the study offer a non-intrusive approach to unraveling complex biological systems, paving the way for a deeper understanding of healthy living practices.
In conclusion, the study presents a significant advancement in unraveling the intricate interplay between personality and gene expression, underscoring the transformative potential of self-awareness and mindfulness in promoting holistic health and well-being.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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