Genetic variation in the odorant receptors family 13 and the mhc loci influence mate selection in a multiple sclerosis dataset.

ABSTRACT:

Background

When selecting mates, many vertebrate species seek partners with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes different from their own, presumably in response to selective pressure against inbreeding and towards MHC diversity. Attempts at replication of these genetic results in human studies, however, have reached conflicting conclusions.

Results

Using a multi-analytical strategy, we report validated genome-wide relationships between genetic identity and human mate choice in 930 couples of European ancestry. We found significant similarity between spouses in the MHC at class I region in chromosome 6p21, and at the odorant receptor family 13 locus in chromosome 9. Conversely, there was significant dissimilarity in the MHC class II region, near the HLA-DQA1 and -DQB

SUBMITTER: Khankhanian P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3091764 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature