Exploring Seasickness and Genetics

Is seasickness a common occurrence for you? Your genes might be partially to blame. 

Seasickness is often linked to genetic variations that influence how your body processes sensory information. 

Those same genes don’t just affect your time on the water. They might also reveal other traits about you, for better or worse.

The Pros of Gene Variations Linked to Seasickness

• Enhanced Reward Sensitivity (DRD2)
  The DRD2 gene regulates dopamine, which plays a major role in how your brain perceives pleasure and motivation. A heightened dopamine response might make you highly motivated, responsive to rewards, and better at learning in environments where success is tangible.
• Heightened Creativity and Imagination (DRD2)
  Variants in DRD2 are often linked to creative thinking and problem-solving. You might excel at brainstorming, visualizing, and finding innovative solutions to challenges.
• Exceptional Balance Sensitivity (ESRRB)
  The ESRRB gene supports vestibular function in your inner ear. This may make you more attuned to subtle shifts in balance, giving you an edge in activities like yoga, dance, or precision sports.
• Acute Sound Perception (OTOF)
  The OTOF gene influences auditory processing. Variants here might enhance your ability to pick up on nuanced sounds or tones, making you especially skilled in music, linguistics, or sound-based professions.
• Immune Vigilance (HLA-DQB1)
  Variants in HLA-DQB1, which plays a role in immune function, might make you more resistant to certain infections or better at detecting and responding to pathogens.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (Sensory Sensitivity)
  A heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs often translates to strong emotional awareness and empathy. You might excel at reading social cues and connecting deeply with others.
• Attention to Detail (Sensory Sensitivity)
  Your ability to notice subtle changes in your environment might make you meticulous and highly observant—useful in design, analysis, or any field requiring precision.

The Cons of Genes Linked to Seasickness

• Increased Risk of Addiction (DRD2)
  A highly sensitive dopamine system can make you more susceptible to addictive behaviors, such as gambling or substance use, as your brain may crave frequent dopamine rewards.
• Mood Instability (DRD2)
  Variants in DRD2 have been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety and bipolar disorder, due to their influence on emotional regulation.
• Vestibular Disorders (ESRRB)
  While ESRRB can enhance balance sensitivity, variants in this gene also increase the likelihood of dizziness, vertigo, or other balance-related issues.
• Hearing Disorders (OTOF)
  Some OTOF variants are associated with auditory neuropathy, a condition that disrupts how sound signals are transmitted to the brain, leading to hearing challenges.
• Autoimmune Risks (HLA-DQB1)
  The HLA-DQB1 gene is also linked to autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or multiple sclerosis. While it enhances immune vigilance, it can overreact in ways that harm the body.
• Motion Sensitivity Beyond Seasickness (HLA-DQB1)
  Heightened sensitivity in sensory pathways can make you more prone to migraines or discomfort triggered by bright lights, loud noises, or rapid motion.
• Overwhelm in Sensory-Rich Environments (Sensory Sensitivity)
  High sensitivity to sensory inputs can make chaotic or overstimulating environments stressful, potentially leading to anxiety or fatigue.

Balancing the Pros and Cons

While being genetically predisposed to seasickness might feel like a disadvantage, it’s part of a broader set of traits that reveal both strengths and challenges. 

Your heightened sensitivity might make you more prone to nausea on a rocking boat, but it also enhances your creativity, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence - traits that can enrich your personal and professional life.

The same genes that cause discomfort at sea might just make you the kind of person who navigates life’s other challenges with heightened awareness and ingenuity. 

So, the next time you’re hanging over the deck remember there’s a creative genius in there somewhere too. 😉

References

1. Blum, K., Chen, A. L. C., Braverman, E. R., Comings, D. E., Chen, T. J. H., Arcuri, V., ... & Bowirrat, A. (2008). Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and reward deficiency syndrome. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 4(5), 893–918.
2. Hromatka, B. S., Tung, J. Y., Kiefer, A. K., Do, C. B., Hinds, D. A., & Eriksson, N. (2015). Genetic variants associated with motion sickness point to roles for inner ear development, neurological processes and glucose homeostasis. Human Molecular Genetics, 24(9), 2700–2708.
3. Rodriguez-Ballesteros, M., Reynoso, R., Olarte, M., Villamar, M., Moreno-Pelayo, M. A., Zubiaur, M., ... & del Castillo, I. (2008). A multicenter study on the prevalence and spectrum of mutations in the OTOF gene in subjects with auditory neuropathy. Human Mutation, 29(6), 823–831.
4. Gambaro, G., Anglani, F., & D’Angelo, A. (2000). Association studies of polymorphisms at the HLA-DQB1 locus with multiple sclerosis. Tissue Antigens, 55(6), 513–516.
5. Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (1997). Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotional intelligence. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(2), 345–368.
6. Treisman, M. (1977). Motion sickness: An evolutionary hypothesis. Science, 197(4302), 493–495.

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