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And how can you find it in yourself? Our editor has mastered the basics of genotyping technology and even learned how to extract DNA on his own.
What draws your imagination when you hear the words “adventurism gene”? You probably think that this is an abstract metaphor. But according to our genes, it is really possible to understand (and predict) how reckless we are, whether we have a passion for the new and unknown, whether we love risk and thrills. Visitors to the Geek Picnic summer Moscow festival of scientific creativity had the opportunity not only to learn about their penchant for adventurism, but also to participate in the study themselves.
The pavilion of Atlas, a genetic research company, is a small patch of land with a couple of tents and tables around which curious passers-by crowd. Racks are laid out on the tables, there are electronic centrifuges and a lot of plastic packaging. Is it syringes? No, they’re just test tubes. The material used is not blood or even saliva, but the epithelium from the inner surface of the cheeks. Assistants add to the lists of all those who want to try themselves as geneticists. The experiment begins.
“Chew your cheeks, chew harder, tear off the epithelium with your teeth!” our mentor energetically commands, a molecular biologist named Vera. The sensations are not very pleasant, but I cheer myself up: for the sake of science, people endured and not like that. Then the epithelial cells must be collected by moving a cotton swab in the mouth and lowering it into a test tube with water. And then the fun begins.
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- Look into your future
To separate DNA, you need to follow a strict sequence of actions. First, we shake off the epithelial cells from the stick by shaking it in a test tube with water. Now you need to separate the cells from the water using a centrifuge. According to the biologist Vera, it increases the weight of what is in it by 14 and a half thousand. I think I’m beginning to understand how hard it is for astronauts. Volunteer Alice deftly puts test tubes into cells in the apparatus. “Do you do this often?” I’m interested. “The day before yesterday was the first time – during the briefing,” she blushes. “Actually, I’m studying to be an engineer, but I haven’t forgotten my chemistry lessons yet.”
“Chew your cheeks, chew harder, tear off the epithelium with your teeth!” – Our mentor, molecular biologist Vera Bashmakova, energetically commands.
The centrifuge stops and we disassemble the test tubes, at the bottom of which one can see a barely visible white precipitate. The next task is to destroy the cell membranes in order to release their contents – the DNA molecule – to the outside. To do this, we drain the water and add the lysis solution, and then put the tubes in a saucepan of hot water (in a water bath). After all these manipulations, a “broth” is obtained from our epithelium, in which the contents of the cell float – the remains of membranes, cytoplasm, cell organelles and DNA. She is what we need!
To “wash” DNA from foreign particles, we add chloroform (I remember the scene from the movie “Operation Y”, where the characters fall asleep from a rag soaked in chloroform, and I try not to breathe). It dissolves everything superfluous, and after the next attraction in the centrifuge, a white film forms in the test tube, similar to foam on hot milk. It seems that this is it – the most important molecule in our body, the carrier of all our genetic information. While I was fascinated looking at the film, the others already had two test tubes in their hands, and I still have one. In addition, I accidentally splashed out some of the drug. No, molecular biology is definitely not my forte. I had to wait for the next session and go through the whole procedure again.
Taking advantage of the break, I ask Irina Zhegulina, a geneticist at Atlas, to explain what the adventurism gene is. “In the jargon of geneticists, this is the name of the dopamine IV receptor gene. Dopamine receptors of the fourth type, which are located in our heads, are responsible for how dopamine, the reward hormone, reaches nerve cells, says Irina. “Sometimes this gene has more repeats at the end, and then the person needs more dopamine. Depending on this mutation, some people feel an increased need to seek out new experiences. They are constantly looking for something, moving somewhere. For example, there are studies that have revealed a relationship between the presence of this mutation and the range of migrations of ancient people from Africa to Eurasia.”
The centrifuge stops and we disassemble the test tubes, at the bottom of which one can see a barely visible white precipitate. The next task is to destroy the cell membranes in order to release their contents – the DNA molecule – to the outside. To do this, we drain the water and add the lysis solution, and then put the tubes in a saucepan of hot water (in a water bath). After all these manipulations, a “broth” is obtained from our epithelium, in which the contents of the cell float – the remains of membranes, cytoplasm, cell organelles and DNA. She is what we need!
“The increased need for new experiences arises due to a mutation in the gene that is responsible for the absorption of dopamine, the reward hormone”
And yet, is being an adventurer good or bad? “People with a 7-fold repeat in the gene (XNUMXR polymorphism) need more dopamine than most of us to feel satisfied. They rarely sit still, their behavior may manifest such traits as hyperactivity, impulsivity. In extreme cases, they can even become addicted to gambling, risky sports and other ways to “tickle their nerves” – everything here depends on specific life circumstances,” explains Irina Zhegulina.
Pass the tests
- Are you ready to go on an adventure?
The second time I was lucky: I did everything according to the instructions. After DNA extraction, there were still a few steps left: pour the long-suffering molecule with saline and alcohol, hold it in the freezer, and finally shake it well again in a centrifuge. Then the professionals take over. Using PCR, they isolate many copies of the region from the very end of the gene. To determine polymorphism, molecules are placed in a special gel, and then dispersed with an electric current. Those with more repetitions move slower.
The results of my neighbors in the first group were ready in the evening. For some, they were positive: they really turned out to have a penchant for adventurism. Since I turned out to be a negligent student and went through the whole procedure twice, I could not receive my answer until the next day. Alas, I don’t have the gene of adventurism. Well, there is a good side to this: the editors do not have to worry if I turn in this material on time or disappear for a month, deciding to hitchhike to Africa with random acquaintances.
Atlas is a biomedical holding that develops the ideas of personalized (based on an individual approach to the patient) medicine in Russia. One of the activities of the holding is genetic testing, which allows you to find out the predisposition to certain diseases, the strengths and weaknesses of the body, and also trace your genealogy. Details can be found at holding.