Male reproductive timing in rhesus macaques is influenced by the 5HTTLPR promoter polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Male reproductive timing in rhesus macaques is influenced by the 5HTTLPR promoter polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene
Creators Name:	Krawczak, M. and Trefilov, A. and Berard, J. and Bercovitch, F. and Kessler, M. and Sauermann, U. and Croucher, P. and Nuernberg, P. and Widdig, A. and Schmidtke, J.
Abstract:	The 5HTTLPR polymorphism in the promoter region of the human serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) gene is known to be associated with various stress-related psychological and psychiatric phenomena. We observed that a similar diallelic polymorphism in the orthologous gene of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) was related to the reproductive life history of 580 males residing in the free-ranging colony of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, between 1985 and 1998. At first glance, the polymorphism appeared to be selectively neutral because no difference in total reproductive output was noted between males of different 5HTTLPR genotypes. However, whereas heterozygotes were significantly more reproductive than homozygotes at intermediate age (10-13 yr), the opposite held true before and after this period (n = 682 offspring; randomization P = 0.014). This association, which explains approximately 7% of the observed variation in sire age, most likely reflects different natal dispersal patterns and represents the first reported instance of a genetic influence on reproductive timing in mammals.
Keywords:	Behavior, Male Reproductive Timing, Male Sexual Function, Neurotransmitters, Rhesus Macaques, Serotonin Transporter, Animals, Macaca Mulatta
Source:	Biology of Reproduction
ISSN:	0006-3363
Publisher:	Soc Study Reproduction
Volume:	72
Number:	5
Page Range:	1109-1113
Date:	1 January 2005
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.104.038059
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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