Social Behavior of Pet Dogs Is Associated with Peripheral OXTR Methylation.

ABSTRACT: Oxytocin is a key modulator of emotional processing and social cognitive function. In line with this, polymorphisms of genes involved in oxytocin signaling, like the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene, are known to influence social behavior in various species. However, to date, no study has investigated environmental factors possibly influencing the epigenetic variation of the OXTR gene and its behavioral effects in dogs. Pet dogs form individualized and strong relationships with their owners who are central figures in the social environment of their dogs and therefore might influence the methylation levels of their OXTR gene. Here we set out to investigate whether DNA methylation within the OXTR promoter region of pet dogs is linked to their owner's interaction styl

SUBMITTER: Cimarelli G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5385375 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature