Association of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms with difference in social behaviour between cats and dogs

• Main Author: Khairul Anuar Hamidon
• Other Authors: Shu Jian Jun
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering; Science::Biological sciences
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/141709
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The oxytocin system plays a key role in the regulation of social behaviour and personality, with research revealing the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene with underlying behavioural mechanisms in both humans and animals. A preliminary comparison of studies on the social behaviour observed in cats (Felids) and dogs (Canids) is examined in this paper, which show higher factor loadings of (1) proximity seeking, (2) friendliness and (2) referential looking behavioural traits in dogs as compared to cats. Through the identification of marker OXTR gene polymorphisms in cats and dogs, this paper reveals the correlation between genetic polymorphisms and behavioural traits exhibited. Lastly, a review of research involving genotype-phenotype associations suggest the possibility of association of OXTR gene polymorphisms with the difference in social behaviour between cats and dogs. Based on the obtained results, the paper concludes that further genetic research is required to understand phenotypic differences in social behaviour observed, with possible research areas being extended to human social disorders and owner-pet compatibility.