title: Gene-environment interactions in the etiology of human violence.
abstract: This chapter reviews the current research on gene-environment interactions (G × E) with regard to human violence. Findings are summarized from both behavioral and molecular genetic studies that have investigated the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in terms of influencing violence-related behavior. Together, these studies reveal promising evidence that genetic factors combine with environmental influences to impact on the development of violent behavior and related phenotypes. G × E have been identified for a number of candidate genes implicated in violence. Moreover, the reviewed G × E were found to extend to a broad range of environmental characteristics, including both adverse and favorable conditions. As has been the case with other G × E research, findings have been mixed, with considerable heterogeneity between studies. Lack of replication together with serious methodological limitations remains a major challenge for drawing definitive conclusions about the nature of violence-related G × E. In order to fulfill its potential, it is recommended that future G × E research needs to shift its focus to dissecting the neural mechanisms and the underlying pathophysiological pathways by which genetic variation may influence differential susceptibility to environmental exposures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, P.O. Box 122120, 68072, Mannheim, Germany, manfred.laucht@zi-mannheim.de.
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laucht
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brandeis
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zohsel
mesh_terms: D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D014754:Violence