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.
Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary ; Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
Anna
A
Kis
Comparative Ethology Research Group, MTA-ELTE, Budapest, Hungary.
Melinda
M
Bence
Comparative Ethology Research Group, MTA-ELTE, Budapest, Hungary.
Gabriella
G
Lakatos
Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Enikő
E
Pergel
Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary ; Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
Borbála
B
Turcsán
Department of Ethology and Animal Welfare, Catholic University College Ghent, Brugge, Belgium.
Jolanda
J
Pluijmakers
Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
Judit
J
Vas
Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Zsuzsanna
Z
Elek
Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
Ildikó
I
Brúder
Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
Levente
L
Földi
Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Mária
M
Sasvári-Székely
Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary ; Comparative Ethology Research Group, MTA-ELTE, Budapest, Hungary.
Adám
A
Miklósi
Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Zsolt
Z
Rónai
Comparative Ethology Research Group, MTA-ELTE, Budapest, Hungary.
Enikő
E
Kubinyi
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D017931:DNA Primers; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin / Q000235:genetics*; D012919:Social Behavior
D017931:DNA Primers; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin