candidate gene

• The enzyme MAOA (monoamine oxidase A) Breaks down important neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Noradrenaline and dopamine.

  These neurotransmitters control mood and aggression
• Production of MAOA enzyme based on MAOA gene located on the X chromosome
• inheriting a functional MAOA gene → adequate levels of MAOA enzyme produced
• Normal level of MAOA means neurotransmitters inactivated in a normal way after carrying impulses from one neuron to another → no longer have an effect on post synaptic neuron, reduces chances of aggression
• Dysfunction in MAOA gene (MAOA L) → Abnormal levels and activity of MAOA enzyme → abnormal breakdown of serotonin, abnormal level of serotonin in the brain
• Inheriting a faulty version of MAOA gene (warrior gene) leads to very low MAOA activity in areas of the brain leading to imbalanced levels of serotonin → high aggression