20 research outputs found
Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with human directed social behavior in dogs (Canis familiaris)
The oxytocin system has a crucial role in human sociality;
several results prove that polymorphisms of the oxytocin
receptor gene are related to complex social behaviors in humans.
Dogs' parallel evolution with humans and their adaptation to the
human environment has made them a useful species to model human
social interactions. Previous research indicates that dogs are
eligible models for behavioral genetic research, as well. Based
on these previous findings, our research investigated
associations between human directed social behaviors and two
newly described (−212AG, 19131AG) and one known (rs8679684)
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the regulatory regions
(5′ and 3′ UTR) of the oxytocin receptor gene in German Shepherd
(N = 104) and Border Collie (N = 103) dogs. Dogs' behavior
traits have been estimated in a newly developed test series
consisting of five episodes: Greeting by a stranger, Separation
from the owner, Problem solving, Threatening approach, Hiding of
the owner. Buccal samples were collected and DNA was isolated
using standard protocols. SNPs in the 3′ and 5′ UTR regions were
analyzed by polymerase chain reaction based techniques followed
by subsequent electrophoresis analysis. The gene–behavior
association analysis suggests that oxytocin receptor gene
polymorphisms have an impact in both breeds on (i) proximity
seeking towards an unfamiliar person, as well as their owner,
and on (ii) how friendly dogs behave towards strangers, although
the mediating molecular regulatory mechanisms are yet unknown.
Based on these results, we conclude that similarly to humans,
the social behavior of dogs towards humans is influenced by the
oxytocin system
Dysregulation of leukocyte gene expression in women with medication-refractory depression versus healthy non-depressed controls
Social Psychological and Personality Science Cultural Differences in the Link Between Supportive Relationships and Proinflammatory Cytokines On behalf of: Society for Personality and Social Psychology Association for Research in Personality European Assoc
Oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is related to psychological resources
Psychological resources—optimism, mastery, and self-esteem—buffer the deleterious effects of stress and are predictors of neurophysiological and psychological health-related outcomes. These resources have been shown to be highly heritable, yet the genetic basis for this heritability remains unknown. Here, we report a link between the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) SNP rs53576 and psychological resources, such that carriers of the “A” allele have lower levels of optimism, mastery, and self-esteem, relative to G/G homozygotes. OXTR was also associated with depressive symptomatology. Mediation analysis indicates that the effects of OXTR on depressive symptoms may be largely mediated by the influence of OXTR on psychological resources
The Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) in relation to state levels of loneliness in adolescence: Evidence for micro-level gene-environment interactions
Contains fulltext :
121851.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Previous research has shown that the rs53576 variant of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is associated with trait levels of loneliness, but results are inconsistent. The aim of the present study is to examine micro-level effects of the OXTR rs53576 variant on state levels of loneliness in early adolescents. In addition, gene-environment interactions are examined between this OXTR variant and positive and negative perceptions of company. Data were collected in 278 adolescents (58% girls), by means of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM). Sampling periods consisted of six days with nine assessments per day. A relation was found between the OXTR rs53576 variant and state loneliness, in girls only. Girls carrying an A allele had higher levels of state loneliness than girls carrying the GG genotype. In addition, adolescents with an A allele were more affected by negative perceptions of company than GG carriers, on weekend days only. No significant gene-environment interactions were found with positive company. Adolescents carrying an A allele were more susceptible to negative environments during weekend days than GG carriers. Our findings emphasize the importance of operationalizing the phenotype and the environment accurately.10 p
Novel rare variations of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene in autism spectrum disorder individuals
The association of childhood maltreatment with depression and anxiety is not moderated by the oxytocin receptor gene
Examining the link between emotional childhood abuse and social relationships in midlife: The moderating role of the oxytocin receptor gene
Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism modulates the effects of social support on heart rate variability
A large body of empirical research has demonstrated stress-buffering effects of social support. However, recent studies suggest that genetic variation of the oxytocin system (specifically, a common single nucleotide polymorphism, rs53576, of the oxytocin receptor gene) modulates the efficacy of social support. The timing and neurobiological basis of this genetic modulation were investigated using a standardized, laboratory-based psychological stress procedure (Trier Social Stress Test for Groups, TSST-G). To index potential stress buffering effects of social support mediated by the oxytocin system, heart rate variability (HRV) was obtained before and during the TSST-G from 40 healthy participants. Results indicate that social support is associated with higher HRV only in G allele carriers. Specifically, social support increased heart rate variability during direct social interaction and only in individuals with at least one copy of the G allele of rs53576. These findings support the idea that the stress-attenuating effects of social support are modulated by genetic variation of the oxytocin system