Molecular Evolution of Social Behavior-Related Candidate Genes (DRD4 and GRIN1) in Apes

This study analyzes the molecular evolution of two social behavior-related candidate genes in apes: DRD4 and GRIN1. These are both receptor genes, but of different neurotransmitter systems and are associated with different aspects of social behavior. Previous studies have characterized the natural variations in DNA, amino acids, and expression of these genes in various species; however, this study contextualizes these genes within social behavior and evaluates the evolution of these genes across the ape clade using modern bioinformatics methods. DRD4 is under positive selection in all apes, expect humans, and GRIN1 is highly conserved across the ape clade. Neurotransmitter systems are under different selective pressures, likely owing to both their functions within the nervous system and the social behaviors they influence.

Author

• Lavergne, Claire

Language

• en

Keyword

• Biology
• Anthropology
• Behavioral Genetics
• Comparative Genomics

Date created

• 2023

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Anthropology

Degree

• M.S.

Advisor

• Bradley, Brenda J

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/h128nf392