Some Key Issues in the Study of Gene–Environment Interplay: Activation, Deactivation, and the Role of Development

Abstract

Gene–environment interaction (GxE) is thought to constitute a fundamental mechanism though which genes influence human behavior. In the excitement about GxE, however, the deliberative approach that typically characterizes empirical social science research has been inconsistently applied. The current review highlights areas where more work is needed. First, although most GxE research to date has focused on the augmentation of genetic influences by extreme environmental pathogens, normal-range environmental risk factors may also act via GxE. Second, environmental risk and protective factors may serve to “deactivate”, rather than augment, genetic influences. Finally, few GxE studies have meaningfully considered the role of development.

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