Genome-wide linkage scan for loci of musical aptitude in Finnish families: evidence for a major locus at 4q22

Abstract

Background:Music perception and performance are comprehensive human cognitive functions and thus provide an excellent model system for studying human behaviour and brain function. However, the molecules involved in mediating music perception and performance are so far uncharacterised.Objective:To unravel the biological background of music perception, using molecular and statistical genetic approaches.Methods: 15 Finnish multigenerational families (with a total of 234 family members) were recruited via a nationwide search. The phenotype of all family members was determined using three tests used in defining musical aptitude: a test for auditory structuring ability (Karma Music test; KMT) commonly used in Finland, and the Seashore pitch and time discrimination subtests (SP and ST respectively) used internationally. We calculated heritabilities and performed a genome-wide variance components-based linkage scan using genotype data for 1113 microsatellite markers.Results:The heritability estimates were 42% for KMT, 57% for SP, 21% for ST and 48% for the combined music test scores. Significant evidence of linkage was obtained on chromosome 4q22 (LOD 3.33) and suggestive evidence of linkage at 8q13-21 (LOD 2.29) with the combined music test scores, using variance component linkage analyses. The major contribution of the 4q22 locus was obtained for the KMT (LOD 2.91). Interestingly, a positive LOD score of 1.69 was shown at 18q, a region previously linked to dyslexia (DYX6) using combined music test scores.Conclusion:Our results show that there is a genetic contribution to musical aptitude that is likely to be regulated by several predisposing genes or variants.

Sing Chinese and tap Tagalog? Predicting individual differences in musical and phonetic aptitude using language families differing by sound-typology

“…Multigenerational family studies were also able to demonstrate that predisposing genes or variants are linked to musical aptitude (e.g. Pulli et al, 2008). The link between musical aptitude and phonetic language abilities in this investigation shows that both faculties do not completely deviate from each other, which raises the idea that multigenerational family studies might yield similar results for phonetic aptitude which should be subject to future research.…”

Association of the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) haplotypes with listening to music

“…Of the families under study, 19 have been described earlier 8,18 and 12 are new ( Figure 1). The nationwide recruitment process of the families has been described earlier.…”

“…20 The characteristics of the tests and testing procedure have been described in detail by Pulli et al 18 Shortly, KMT measures recognition of melodic contour, grouping, relational pitch processing and gestalt principles, the same potentially innate musical cognitive operations reported by Justus and Hutsler. 21 In contrast, the Seashore's tests measure simple sensory capacities, such as the ability to detect small differences in tone pitch or duration that are necessary in music perception.…”

The genome-wide landscape of copy number variations in the MUSGEN study provides evidence for a founder effect in the isolated Finnish population

“…27 The participants neither reported any relatives in the study (based on a questionnaire) nor showed any close relatedness in identity by descent analysis. No medical information was available from the participants, but as far as we know, they are healthy.…”

“…[23][24][25][26] In this context, we characterized the genome-wide architecture of CNVs in 286 healthy, unrelated subjects characterized for musical aptitude and related traits. 27 We wanted to essentially evaluate the role of CNV enrichment in music-related phenotypes. In a broader perspective, the sample set represents the isolated Finnish population that has experienced multiple bottlenecks in its population history.…”