Researchers Study Connections Between Genetics and Romantic Relationships

Chinese researchers are studying the association between romantic relationships and 5-HT1A gene in young adults.

There are obvious factors which influence attraction and relationships between people, such as personality, looks, and intelligence. These researchers are trying to show that genetics may contribute to the development of romantic relationships.

Pair bonding and affective affiliation (romantic behaviors) are shown to be associated with the serotonin levels in the brain. In non-human animals, decreased serotonin via the 5-HT1A gene decreases female sexual receptivity and causes aggression towards males.

The G allele of the C-1019G polymorphism (which leads to greater expression of the 5-HT1A gene) is related to decreased comfort with close/romantic relationships.

How is this related to being in a relationship? To explore this, 579 Chinese undergraduate students were studied. Cells from hair follicles were collected and DNA was extracted.

The results indicate individuals carrying the G allele (CG/GG) of C-1019G were more likely to be single than non-G, CC carriers. This agrees with the finding that G allele carriers are less comfortable in close relationships.

Actually, G allele carriers are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders (major depression, borderline personality disorder, etc.) and neurotic personalities. All of the above can hinder the formation of relationships, as well as their quality and stability. The connection between the G allele and psychological disorders may lead to fewer dating opportunities and/or unsuccessful relationships.

The researchers believe the findings of their study offer evidence that genetics can influence social relationships.

This study is interesting because it offers even more insight about how much genetics affects our lives. There are obvious things like hair color and eye color but the influence of our genes permeates all aspects, even our relationships. This makes sense because other studies (like this one) investigate how our health, which is influenced by our genes, then influences our relationships. It offers hope to people who struggle with making personal connections that we may find a way to help them connect with others around them

Article: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-11-science-romantic-relationships-gene-factor.html

A new study from China proposes the 5-HT1A genes may be linked to chances of being in a stable relationship.

            Three researchers in China proposed the theory of the 5-HT1A having a corresponding linked on how an individual behaves when around a significant other. In simpler terms individuals that are bad in relationships, such as those that have frequent break ups.  Difficult to believe that besides the previous beliefs that looks, economic standings, and personality was a huge factor in engaging in a relationship, there was also a hidden factor, a gene that can be passed down from the parents. In a paper titled, “The Association between romantic relationship status and 5-HT1A genein young adults, ”published in scientific reports. They stated that the G allele of a polymorphism labeled-1019G is able to increase the 5-HT1A genes to express more and this has a correlation with the individuals by having an increase in discomfort with close.

Individuals with CG/GG genotypes has a higher chance of being single then a persons with a CC genotype. 

The study they conducted with 579 Chinese undergraduate student resulted by students that have the "G gene" are most likely to have relationship issues and be single more longer and often. The result showed that gender is not a large factor, and the study showed that about 50% individuals without the G gene were in a relationship, 39% with a CG/GG were in a relationship and within the 39%, approximately 5% of them had GG genes. What was interesting was they were able to get the DNA of the students through their hair follicle cells and use a Chelex-100 method.   

The researchers are taking a step forward of understanding the concept of love and why some people prefer to go against the instinct of finding a signifiant other and reproducing. Could also help in understanding why some people like other, that for some would never even consider.  

Original:http://www.nature.com/srep/2014/141120/srep07049/full/srep07049.html

Articles:

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-11-science-romantic-relationships-gene-factor.html

http://www.cnet.com/news/is-there-a-gene-that-keeps-you-single/