Genetic Link Found Between Voice Pitch and ABCC9 Gene Variants

A large-scale genetic study of human voices has identified mutations in the ABCC9 gene that correlate with higher voice pitch, regardless of a person’s sex. ABCC9 contains instructions for making an ion channel that helps to ensure the proper functioning of the proteins collagen and elastin, which help tissues in the body to stretch, including vocal chords. The study also found that people with high-voice-pitch mutations were more likely to have heart conditions, as collagen and elastin help heart muscles to move properly.