Ancient DNA Reveals That the Variability of the DRD4 -521 C/T SNP Associated with Novelty Seeking Behavior is Influenced by Selection in Western South American Populations

Abstract

Certain Polymorphisms in the DRD4 gene have been associated with behavioral traits such as novelty seeking (NS), impulsivity, and ADHD. Research has suggested that these personality traits may affect individual fitness differently depending on social structure, subsistence patterns, and mobility. To test this hypothesis this study examines the diachronic change in the frequency of the C allele of the −521 C/T SNP in the DRD4 promoter region, thought to contribute to the NS phenotype, analyzing ancient DNA from pre-Columbian South America. We used a SBE PCR based approach to analyze the DRD4 SNP in 125 prehistoric samples dating from 8000 BP to the end of the pre-Columbian period and deriving from a diversity of socioeconomic environments. We performed forward simulations of genetic drift with selection to test if difference in allele frequencies over time can solely be explained by random evolutionary processes or if selection has to be considered. Further, we performed statistical tests to explore possible association of observed differences with socioeconomic or environmental factors. DRD4 genotypes for 79 individuals were obtained. We find signals of slight selection acting on the DRD4-521 T allele. While the postulated association between the −521 C/T DRD4 SNP with modes of subsistence was not confirmed the results suggest a possible impact of socioeconomic complexity Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology (2016) 2:77-91 DOI 10.1007/s40750-015-0033-5 Electronic

Indigenous people from Amazon show genetic signatures of pathogen-driven selection

“…Furthermore, we also identify associations that could raise a hypothesis for increased novelty-seeking behavior, currently recognized through caffeine and nicotine consumption (tables S4 and S5) ( 35 , 36 ). Novelty-seeking behaviors may have been important in the past to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, helping to explore new territories and search for resources ( 35 , 37 , 38 ).…”