Researchers Prepare to Explore the Genetics of Gender Identity, With Caution – The Wire
Posted: August 6, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Dr. Ivanka Savic points to a study on the screen of her computer at her home in Los Angeles, California, US June 30, 2017. Credit: Reuters/Lucy Nicholson
New York: While President Donald Trump has thrust transgender people back into the conflict between conservative and liberal values in the US, geneticists are quietly working on a major research effort to unlock the secrets of gender identity.
A consortium of five research institutions in Europe and the US, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, George Washington University and Boston Childrens Hospital, is looking to the genome, a persons complete set of DNA, for clues about whether transgender people are born that way.
Two decades of brain research have provided hints of a biological origin to being transgender, but no irrefutable conclusions.
Now scientists in the consortium have embarked on what they call the largest-ever study of its kind, searching for a genetic component to explain why people assigned one gender at birth so persistently identify as the other, often from very early childhood.
Researchers have extracted DNA from the blood samples of 10,000 people, 3,000 of them transgender and the rest non-transgender, or cisgender. The project is awaiting grant funding to begin the next phase: testing about three million markers, or variations, across the genome for all of the samples.
Knowing what variations transgender people have in common, and comparing those patterns to those of cisgender people in the study, may help investigators understand what role the genome plays in everyones gender identity.
If the trait is strongly genetic, then people who identify as trans will share more of their genome, not because they are related in nuclear families but because they are more anciently related, said Lea Davis, leader of the study and an assistant professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute.
The search for the biological underpinnings is taking on new relevance as the battle for transgender rights plays out in the US political arena.
One of the first acts of the new Trump administration was to revoke Obama-era guidelines directing public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms of their choice. Last week, the president announced on Twitter he intends to ban transgender people from serving in the military.
A Quinnipiac University poll released on Thursday found 68% of Americans say transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military, an even larger majority than the 58% found in a Reuters/Ipsos poll last week.
Texas lawmakers are debating a bathroom bill that would require people to use the bathroom of the sex listed on their birth certificate. North Carolina in March repealed a similar law after a national boycott cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in lost business.
Currently, the only way to determine whether people are transgender is for them to self-identify as such. While civil rights activists contend that should be sufficient, scientists have taken their search to the lab.
That quest has made some transgender people nervous. If a cause is found it could posit a cure, potentially opening the door to so-called reparative therapies similar to those that attempt to turn gay people straight, advocates say. Others raise concerns about the rights of those who may identify as trans but lack biological proof.
Its an idea that can be wielded against us, depending on the ideology of the user, said Kale Edmiston, a transgender person and postdoctoral scholar at the University of Pittsburgh specialising in neuroimaging.
Dana Bevan, a transgender woman, psychologist and author of three books on transgender topics, acknowledged the potential manipulation of research was a concern but said, I dont believe thatsciencecan or should hold back from trying to understand whats going on.
Davis stressed that her study does not seek to produce a genetic test for being transgender, nor would it be able to. Instead, she said, she hopes the data will lead to better care for transgender people, who experience wide health disparities compared to the general population.
One-third of transgender people reported a negative healthcare experience in the previous year such as verbal harassment, refusal of treatment or the need to teach their doctors about transgender care, according to a landmark survey of nearly 28,000 people released last year by the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Some 40% have attempted suicide, almost nine times the rate for the general population.
We can use this information to help train doctors and nurses to provide better care to trans patients and to also develop amicus briefs to support equal rights legislation, said Davis, who is also director of research for Vanderbilts gender health clinic.
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee has one of the worlds largest DNA databanks. It also has emerged as a leader in transgender healthcare with initiatives such as the trans buddy program, which pairs every transgender patient with a volunteer to help guide them through their healthcare visits.
The study has applied for a grant from the National Institutes of Health and is exploring other financial sources to provide the $1 million needed to complete the genotyping, expected to take a year to 18 months. Analysis of the data would take about another six months and require more funding, Davis said.
The other consortium members are Vrije University in Amsterdam and the FIMABIS institute in Malaga, Spain.
Probing the brain
Until now, the bulk of research into the origins of being transgender has looked at the brain.
Neurologists have spotted clues in the brain structure and activity of transgender people that distinguish them from cisgender subjects.
A seminal 1995 study was led by Dutch neurobiologist Dick Swaab, who was also among the first scientists to discover structural differences between male and female brains. Looking at postmortem brain tissue of transgender subjects, he found that male-to-female transsexuals had clusters of cells, or nuclei, that more closely resembled those of a typical female brain, and vice versa.
Swaabs body of work on postmortem samples was based on just 12 transgender brains that he spent 25 years collecting. But it gave rise to a whole new field of inquiry that today is being explored with advanced brain scan technology on living transgender volunteers.
Among the leaders in brain scan research is Ivanka Savic, a professor of neurology with Swedens Karolinska Institute and visiting professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Her studies suggest that transgender men have a weakened connection between the two areas of the brain that process the perception of self and ones own body. Savic said those connections seem to improve after the person receives cross-hormone treatment.
Her work has been published more than 100 times on various topics in peer-reviewed journals, but she still cannot conclude whether people are born transgender.
I think that, but I have to prove that, Savic said.
A number of other researchers, including both geneticists and neurologists, presume a biological component that is also influenced by upbringing.
But Paul McHugh, a university professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has emerged as the leading voice challenging the born-this-way hypothesis.
He encourages psychiatric therapy for transgender people, especially children, so that they accept the gender assigned to them at birth.
McHugh has gained a following among social conservatives, while incensing LGBT advocates with comments such as calling transgender people counterfeit.
Last year he co-authored a review of the scientific literature published in The New Atlantis journal, asserting there was scant evidence to suggest sexual orientation and gender identity were biologically determined.
The article drew a rebuke from nearly 600 academics and clinicians who called it misleading.
McHugh told Reuters he was unmoved by his critics and says he doubts additional research will reveal a biological cause.
If it were obvious, he said, they would have found it long ago.
(Reuters)
What to read next:
Read this article:
Researchers Prepare to Explore the Genetics of Gender Identity, With Caution - The Wire
- Definition Of female reproductive system |Genetic ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Female - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Impact of Genetic Selection on Female Fertility - eXtension [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2015]
- X chromosome - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- How Chromosomes Determine Sex - About [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- Galaxy Of Genetic Differences Between Men & Women [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2015]
- Difference between Male and Female Chromosomes [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2015]
- Female Age and Chromosome Problems in Eggs and Embryos [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2015]
- Pathology and Genetics of Tumours of the Breast and Female ... [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2015]
- Sex - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2015]
- Sexual differentiation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2015]
- XY sex-determination system - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2015]
- The Female Form: Embrace Your Genetics and Find Beauty in ... [Last Updated On: August 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 21st, 2015]
- Female Hereditary Hair Loss Treatment & Genetic Testing ... [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2015]
- Female Infertility Genetic Causes | RSC New Jersey [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2015]
- Spectacular Genetic Anomaly Results in Butterflies with ... [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2015]
- Tortoiseshell cat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- The Genetics of Calico Cats - Department of Biology [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Human Genetics - Mendelian Inheritance 5 [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2016]
- Androgenetic alopecia - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2016]
- X chromosome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2016]
- Davis Angus Foss, Oklahoma [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2016]
- Y chromosome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2016]
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Female Reproductive Cancer [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2016]
- Genetics and Inheritance - National Fragile X Foundation [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2016]
- Genetics - X Linked Problems - The Biology Corner [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2016]
- Nicole Kush Female Cannabis Seeds by DNA Genetics and ... [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2016]
- A gay Gene - Is Homosexuality Inherited Assault On Gay ... [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2016]
- Cat coat genetics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- Cloning - Learn Genetics [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- Homosexuality - Conservapedia [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2016]
- Science & Health, Colleges Around Cincinnati, University ... [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2016]
- Elephant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2016]
- Supercourse: Epidemiology, the Internet, and Global Health [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2016]
- Glossary - PBS: Public Broadcasting Service [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2016]
- Male - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2016]
- Female - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2016]
- Mount Sinai Health System - New York City | Mount Sinai ... [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2016]
- Calico cat - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Mosaic (genetics) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2016]
- Calico Cats - TheCatSite.com Community [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2016]
- Physical attractiveness - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- XY sex-determination system - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Triple X syndrome - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2017]
- How African Americans Use DNA Testing to Connect With Their Past - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Hughes benefit from Wagyu fertility and eating quality - Queensland Country Life [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Genetics Research Update - Island Eye News [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- DNA From Sperm Of Ex Partners Lingers In Female Flies And ... [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Federal officials to review endangered status of Florida panther - Tampabay.com [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Why Women Have Stronger Immune Systems than Men [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Why does it seem like nobody cares about female concussions? - ESPN [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Geneticist says Florida panther still deserves endangered species protection - Tampabay.com [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- How the living world was changed, by the woman who changed it - New Scientist [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Sharks could hold genetic secret to long life: Study - The Hindu [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Weekly genetics review: Registrations on the up for most beef breeds - Beef Central [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Orphan Black Science Recap: Guillotines Decide - The Mary Sue [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Genetics honour to CQ Brahman breeder Alf Collins - Beef Central [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Elad Gil and Silicon Valley's bright future in cryptocurrency, genetics and health tech - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2017]
- Top 6 myths about heart disease debunked - AsiaOne [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- About a new pest: the bagrada bug - Santa Fe New Mexican [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Embryo editing 'corrects' genetic heart condition - The Guam Daily Post [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Cycling and gender: how and why male and female cyclists need to train differently - Cycling Weekly [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- First human embryo editing experiment in US 'corrects' gene for heart condition - Washington Post [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Researchers Explore the Science of Gender Identity - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- Selecting at negative 9 months - High Plains Journal [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2017]
- Google Manifesto: Does Biology Explain Gender Disparities in Tech? - Live Science [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Damore Has Science On His Side - The American Conservative [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Memo to all tech bros: Sexism, not biology, holds women back - New Scientist [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Genetic strategies to reduce gilt feed and development costs - National Hog Farmer [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Dewmar International BMC, Inc. (DEWM) Announces Investment in New West Genetics, Better Than Expected Progress ... - Benzinga [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- No, the Google manifesto isn't sexist or anti-diversity. It's science - The Globe and Mail [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- Couples can tailor-make their babies - Khaleej Times [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- Sarah Bush Lincoln receives the 2017 Women's Choice Award - Journal Gazette and Times-Courier [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- A major blind spot in animal testing is endangering the lives of women - Quartz [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2017]
- Jonathan Hoffman: Pima County should butt out of medical decisions - Arizona Daily Star [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- Trans athletes should be able to compete in gender they identify with: centre for ethics in sport - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- Orphan Black Was Never About Cloning - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- Techly Explains: Are twins genetic? - Techly [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2017]
- How technology can deliver freedom from the male calf - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2017]
- How egg-freezing is keeping more women in the tech industry: The inside story - TechRepublic [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2017]