Oxytocin receptor genetic variation promotes human trust behavior
Frank Krueger1, Raja Parasuraman, Vijeth Iyengar
1Department of Molecular Neuroscience, George Mason University Fairfax, VA, USA.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|February 21, 2012
Summary
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene influences trust behavior. Specific variations in the OXTR gene (rs53576) are linked to individual differences in trust, with the GG genotype showing higher trust levels.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Behavioral Economics
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Human trust behavior exhibits heritability.
- Oxytocin administration is known to enhance trust.
- The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene is a candidate for genetic influences on trust.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a specific OXTR gene polymorphism (rs53576) and trust behavior.
- To determine if genetic variations in OXTR influence trust specifically, rather than general risk-taking or trustworthiness.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of healthy male students (n=108).
- Administration of a trust game experiment.
- Analysis of the association between OXTR rs53576 genotypes and trust behavior.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the OXTR rs53576 polymorphism and trust behavior.
- Individuals with the GG genotype displayed higher trust behavior compared to A allele carriers (AA/AG).
- The association was specific to trust behavior, not general trustworthiness or risk-taking.
Conclusions:
- The common genetic variation rs53576 in the OXTR gene is reliably linked to individual differences in trust behavior.
- Future research should explore the functional mechanisms and gene-environment interactions of OXTR in socio-emotional behaviors.
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