Association of Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) rs53576 Polymorphism with Sociality: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

A common variant in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), rs53576, has been broadly linked to socially related personality traits and behaviors. However, the pattern of published results is inconsistent. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the association. The literature was searched for relevant studies and effect sizes between individuals homozygous for the G allele (GG) and individuals with A allele carriers (AA/AG). Specifically, two indices of sociality were evaluated independently: i) general sociality (24 samples, n = 4955), i.e., how an individual responds to other people in general; and ii) close relationships (15 samples, n = 5262), i.e., how an individual responds to individuals with closed connections (parent-child or romantic relationship). We found positive association between the rs53576 polymorphism and general sociality (Cohen’s d = 0.11, p = .02); G allele homozygotes had higher general sociality than the A allele carriers. However, the meta-analyses did not detect significant genetic association between rs53576 and close relationships (Cohen’s d = 0.01, p = .64). In conclusion, genetic variation in the rs53576 influences general sociality, which further implies that it is worthy to systematically examine whether the rs53576 is a valid genetic marker for socially related psychiatric disorders.

Variation in the β-endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine receptor genes is associated with different dimensions of human sociality

“…What little work has been done suggests that variation in OXTR can predict the size and diversity of social networks via its influence on social temperament (45), as well as being related to feelings of social connectedness (46) and "general sociality" (47). Other studies have, however, provided indirect evidence for a relationship between endorphins and social network size (48).…”

Weak effects of common genetic variation in oxytocin and vasopressin receptor genes on rhesus macaque social behavior

“…We know of two reported replication failures of OXTR gene effects (Apicella et al, 2010; Munk, Hermann, El Shazly, Grant, & Hennig, 2016). Furthermore, two recent meta-analyses reported equivocal results regarding the influence of two heavily studied human OXTR SNVs on sociality, with (Bakermans-Kranenburg & van Ijzendoorn, 2014; Li et al, 2015). Similarly, though several studies have implicated a 5′ AVPR1A polymorphism in chimpanzee social behavior, the identified effects have been inconsistent.…”

Social Behavior of Pet Dogs Is Associated with Peripheral OXTR Methylation

“…In particular, associations have been found between the genetic variation of different genes involved in the oxytocinergic system and a variety of social phenotypes in different mammalian species, e.g., mice (see Caldwell et al, 2016 for a review), primates (Staes et al, 2014), cats (Arahori et al, 2015), humans (see Ebstein et al, 2012 for a review), and dogs (Kis et al, 2014). For example, polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor ( OXTR ) gene were associated with dogs’ proximity seeking with the owner (Kis et al, 2014), rough temperament in cats (Arahori et al, 2015), and sociability in humans (Li et al, 2015). Furthermore, oxytocin has been associated with social fear (Kirsch et al, 2005), aggression toward unfamiliar individuals (Stallen et al, 2012) and social anxiety (Grillon et al, 2013) in humans, and friendliness toward a threatening human in dogs (Hernádi et al, 2015).…”