Self-Reported Sexual Behavioral Interests and Polymorphisms in the Dopamine Receptor D4 (DRD4) Exon III VNTR in Heterosexual Young Adults

Abstract

Polymorphisms in the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) have previously been shown to associate with a variety of human behavioral phenotypes, including ADHD pathology, alcohol and tobacco craving, financial risk-taking in males, and broader personality traits such as novelty seeking. Recent research has linked the presence of a 7-repeat (7R) allele in a 48-bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) along exon III of DRD4 to age at first sexual intercourse, sexual desire, arousal and function, and infidelity and promiscuity. We hypothesized that carriers of longer DRD4 alleles may report interest in a wider variety of sexual behaviors and experiences than noncarriers. Participants completed a 37-item questionnaire measuring sexual interests as well as Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory, and were genotyped for the 48-bp VNTR on exon III of DRD4. Based on our final genotyped sample of female (n = 139) and male (n = 115) participants, we found that 7R carriers reported interest in a wider variety of sexual behaviors (r = 0.16) within a young adult heterosexual sample of European descent. To our knowledge, this is the first reported association between DRD4 exon III VNTR genotype and interest in a variety of sexual behaviors. We discuss these findings within the context of DRD4 research and broader trends in human evolutionary history.

After the Honeymoon: Neural and Genetic Correlates of Romantic Love in Newlywed Marriages

“…There is a strong empirical basis for examining the particular genetic polymorphisms. For example, the dopamine receptor variant DRD4-7R, which we assessed in the present study, is associated with reproductive sexual behaviors (Eisenberg et al, 2007), desire for a wider variety of sexual behaviors (Halley et al, 2016), and higher rates of promiscuous behavior and infidelity (Garcia et al, 2010). However, there are other possibilities to explore.…”

“…The dopamine receptor DRD4-7R gene variant is associated with novelty-seeking (He et al, 2018, meta-analysis;Munafo et al, 2008, meta-analysis), sexual behaviors such as a desire to have children earlier in life (Eisenberg et al, 2007), desire for a wider variety of sexual behaviors (Halley et al, 2016), higher rates of promiscuous behavior, and infidelity (Garcia et al, 2010). The DRD4-7R genetic polymorphism results in reduced binding for dopamine (Asghari et al, 1995), and thus some have speculated that individuals with this genetic variant generally feel less stimulated and crave novelty (He et al, 2018).…”

Genetic and epigenetic effects on couple adjustment in context of romantic relationship: A scoping systematic review

“…There is sufficient empirical support for the critical role of the dopaminergic system in the formation and maintenance of romantic relationships. For example, the receptor variant DRD4-7R is associated with features of sexual behavior, the desire for more diverse sexual experiences, higher levels of promiscuity, and a higher intensity of romantic relationships in the short term, such as the initial period of relationship formation (Halley et al, 2016;He et al, 2018;Acevedo et al, 2020). Regarding the dopamine-and catecholamine-related signaling pathway, the studies analyzed in this review focused on three dopamine receptor genes (DRD1, DRD2, and DRD4) and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene.…”

No Influence of Dopamine System Gene Variations on Acute Effects of MDMA

“…MDMA-unrelated pharmacogenetic studies showed a positive association of the minor allele of the DRD2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1079597 and rs1800497 with heroin dependence (41), rs6277 and rs1800497 with nicotine dependence (42), and rs6277 with alcohol dependence in males (43). The VNTR polymorphism within the gene coding for the subtype 4 of the DA receptors (DRD4) is also frequently studied in relation to psychiatric disorders and personality traits (44–47). DRD4 VNTR variations range from 2 repeats to 10 repeats, with 4 and 7 repeats as the most frequent forms (48).…”

“…DRD4 VNTR variations range from 2 repeats to 10 repeats, with 4 and 7 repeats as the most frequent forms (48). The presence of a 7-repeat allele has been linked with personal traits like high novelty seeking, risky decision making, and broad sexual interest (44, 47). Moreover, children and adolescents suffering from ADHD and carrying the 7-repeat allele had to take higher doses of methylphenidate to reach sufficient efficacy (49).…”