Creativity and Its Genetic Foundations

TLDR: In this article, a pilot experiment focused upon four candidate genes for inclusion into creativity studies, namely neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF), α-actinin-3 protein encoding gene (ACTN3), angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), and serotonin-2A receptor gene (5HTR2A), is presented.

Abstract: Present-day state of the theory of genetic foundations of creative performance, primarily at the level of the dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic systems, as well as neuregulin 1 gene, arginine vasopressin receptor, and angiotensinogene, is briefly reviewed. Basic results of a pilot experiment, focused upon four candidate genes for inclusion into creativity studies, namely neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF), α-actinin-3 protein encoding gene (ACTN3), angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), and serotonin-2A receptor gene (5HTR2A), are presented. Strong correlations between high level of creativity, both verbal and figural, and both Val/Val BDNF genotype, and RR ACTN3 genotype, are demonstrated, along with its somewhat weaker correlation with II ACE genotype. Taking into account levels of activation of basic psychological defense mechanisms and stress coping strategies, proper for 22 practically normal Arctic dwellers, who were examined in the framework of our experiment, allowed to link these correlations to optimal adaptation abilities, and to prolonged life expectancy. Basing upon this result, plausibility of discerning between two facets of creativity, one being adaptive, another being non-adaptive, is discussed, the former concerned with primarily coping with life stress, the latter providing self-actualization. Interrelation between the inherited abilities and the acquired ones, forming subject matter of correspondingly genetic and creativity studies, is regarded as a representation of basic dichotomy between nature and culture.