On Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:04:33 -0700, Stephen Black wrote: NOTE: I'll reply to Stephen comment about the Faraone et al editorial later when I have more time. [snip] >Mike P. declared in another of his posts: >>"I wonder why people look for genetic explanations for >>complex human behavior when it seems to me that gene-environment >>interactions are probably the more reasonable thing to focus on." > >I wonder if Mike could favour us with a high-quality research study or >two published in a peer-reviewed journal which provides evidence of such >gene-environment interactions. Surely his belief must be based on >evidence.
The classic study that answers Stephens request is the discovery of phenylketonuria or PKU, the genetic defect that prevents the metabolism of phenylalanine and leads to development of mental retardation. However, specialized diets low in phenylalanine have been developed to prevent the development of mental retardation. This qualifies as a gene-environment interaction, in my opinion. Sources for the research on PKU are provided by Daniel Kevles in his "In the Name of Eugenics" (pages 158-160) and Levy, H. L. (2003). Historical background for the maternal PKU syndrome. Pediatrics, 112(6), 1516-1518. The Levy article is available online at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/112/6/S1/1516 Note: accessibility may be limited. See also: Koch et al (2003) Research design, organization, and sample characteristics of the maternal PKU collaborative study. Pediatrics, 112(6), 1519-1522. Also available online at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/112/6/S1/1519 Ditto about availability. See also: Christ, S. E. (2003). Asbjorn folling and the discovery of phenylketonuria. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 12(1), 44-54. Abstract In 1934, the Norwegian biochemist and physician Asbjorn Folling described an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by severe intellectual impairment, motor problems, and skin abnormalities. He found that affected individuals could be identified by the abnormal excretion of phenylpyruvic acid in their urine. The disorder, which Folling initially termed imbecillitas phenylpyrouvica, would later come to be known as phenylketonuria or PKU. The present paper focuses on the story of Folling's discovery and his subsequent contributions to the area of study. In the years that have followed, research on PKU has continued to play a major role in the neurosciences, shaping our understanding of genetic disorders, human metabolism, and brain development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved) -Mike Palij New York University [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
