The genetics of colored sequence synesthesia: suggestive evidence of linkage to 16q and genetic heterogeneity for the condition

Behav Brain Res. 2011 Sep 30;223(1):48-52. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.071. Epub 2011 Apr 8.

Abstract

Synesthesia is a perceptual condition in which sensory stimulation triggers anomalous sensory experiences. In colored sequence synesthesia (CSS), color experiences are triggered by sequences such as letters or numbers. We performed a family based linkage analysis to identify genetic loci responsible for the increased neural crosstalk underlying CSS. Our results implicate a 23 MB region at 16q12.2-23.1, providing the first step in understanding the molecular basis of CSS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16 / genetics*
  • Color Perception / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Heterogeneity*
  • Genetic Linkage / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pedigree
  • Perceptual Disorders / genetics*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods