Study of Arginine Vasopressin Receptor 1-A (AVPR1A) Promoter Polymorphisms and Pair Bonding Behavior in Human Males

Abstract

Behavioral genetics refers to the study of the behavior of an organism due to the effect of their genetic composition and the interaction of genetic makeup and environmental factors. Pair bond behavior has been the focus of many investigations in behavioral neurosciences and genetics. The nonapeptide, Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its receptor (AVPR1A) have a role in the development of pair bond behavior. For this study, blood samples were taken from monogamous and polygamous males of different ethnic and language groups and their DNA was analyzed for microsatellite (GT) repeat expansion present in the promoter region of AVPR1A gene through PCR. Results showed the presence of expanded repeats in 100% individuals of the marital monogamous group, while shortened repeats were present in 41% individuals of the polygamous group. This is one of a kind study and needs a large group for validation of results in future along with identification of major/minor allele for this repeat locus in a general population.