Reading Competence in Mexican Undergraduate Students: Lack of Association with FOXP2 and ROBO1 Genetic Variants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19230/jonnpr.6210Keywords:
FOXP2, ROBO1, reading competence, gene variants, Mexican population, cognitive genetics.Abstract
Introduction: Reading comprehension competence is a complex cognitive skill influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While previous studies have identified associations between specific gene variants and reading abilities, most research has focused on European-ancestry populations, leaving a gap in understanding these relationships in diverse genetic backgrounds. Objective: This study investigates the potential association between two gene variants, rs2253478 (FOXP2) and rs1995402 (ROBO1), and reading comprehension competence in Mexican undergraduate students. Materials and methods: A total of 223 students were assessed for reading skills, and only 37 participants underwent genetic analysis. Participants were divided into average and superior reading groups based on their test scores. Results: Although significant differences in reading performance were observed between the groups, no association was found between the genotypes of the two variants and reading competence in odds-ratio tests. Allelic and genotypic frequencies for both variants were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, indicating no external influences on these frequencies. Comparisons with global populations revealed that the Mexican sample clustered closely with Spanish populations, suggesting a conservation of sequences similar to European populations. Discussion: These findings may suggest that the rs2253478 and rs1995402 variants do not significantly impact reading comprehension competence in this population, highlighting the complexity of genetic influences on cognitive traits. Despite the small sample size, this study contributes to the growing body of research on the genetic basis of reading by exploring these associations in a non-European population, highlighting the need for further research in diverse genetic and cultural contexts.
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