The relationship between DRD4 polymorphisms and phenotypic correlations of behaviors in the collared flycatcher

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that the genetic architecture of exploration behavior includes the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4). Such a link implies that the within-individual consistency in the same behavior has a genetic basis. Behavioral consistency is also prevalent in the form of between-individual correlation of functionally different behaviors; thus, the relationship between DRD4 polymorphism and exploration may also be manifested for other behaviors. Here, in a Hungarian population of the collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis, we investigate how males with distinct DRD4 genotypes differ in the consistent elements of their behavioral displays during the courtship period. In completely natural conditions, we assayed novelty avoidance, aggression and risk-taking, traits that were previously shown repeatable over time and correlate with each other, suggesting that they could have a common mechanistic basis. We identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP554 and SNP764) in the exon 3 of the DRD4 gene by sequencing a subsample, then we screened 202 individuals of both sexes for these SNPs. Focusing on the genotypic variation in courting males, we found that “AC” heterozygote individuals at the SNP764 take lower risk than the most common “AA” homozygotes (the “CC” homozygotes were not represented in our subsample of males). We also found a considerable effect size for the relationship between SNP554 polymorphism and novelty avoidance. Therefore, in addition to exploration, DRD4 polymorphisms may also be associated with the regulation of behaviors that may incur fear or stress. Moreover, polymorphisms at the two SNPs were not independent indicating a potential role for genetic constraints or another functional link, which may partially explain behavioral correlations.

Population differentiation and behavioural association of the two ‘personality’ genesDRD4andSERTin dunnocks (Prunella modularis)

“…These findings provide further evidence for the genetic relationship between DRD4 and explorative and risk-taking behaviours, as shown in previous studies (e.g. Fidler et al 2007;Garamszegi et al 2014;Mueller et al 2014). For example, Garamszegi et al (2014) showed that male pied flycatchers that were homozygous for a specific SNP in DRD4 took more risk (shorter FIDs) than heterozygous males.…”

“…Fidler et al 2007;Garamszegi et al 2014;Mueller et al 2014). For example, Garamszegi et al (2014) showed that male pied flycatchers that were homozygous for a specific SNP in DRD4 took more risk (shorter FIDs) than heterozygous males. This result is in line with our finding for females, but not for males.…”

AvianBuffer: An interactive tool for characterising and managing wildlife fear responses

“…These results are in accordance with previous studies (e.g. Garamszegi et al 2014;Møller 2014;van Dongen et al 2015b) and suggest that variability in FID is much greater between species than it is within species. This justifies the use of a small number of FIDs per individual and multiple FIDs from contrasting sites or habitats (see below).…”

Selection at behavioural, developmental and metabolic genes is associated with the northward expansion of a successful tropical colonizer

“…DRD4-KO mice are less prone to explore new environments (Dulawa, Grandy, Low, Paulus, & Geyer, 1999), while DEAF1-KO mice exhibit stronger anxiety (Vulto-Van Silfhout et al, 2014). Evidence for a role of DRD4 in behaviour and dispersal is also found in several bird species (Fidler et al, 2007;Garamszegi et al, 2014) and is linked to adaptation to changing climate in a migratory songbird (Bay et al, 2018). In humans, this gene has been the focus of several behavioural studies, showing that polymorphism at this gene predicted individual differences in novelty-seeking (Ebstein et al, 1996) and impulsivity (Carpenter, Garcia, & Lum, 2011).…”