An Oxytocin Receptor Gene Variant Predicts Attachment Anxiety in Females and Autism-Spectrum Traits in Males

A molecular genetic approach was used to investigate the relationship between common variants of the oxytocin receptor ( OXTR) gene and self-reported social functioning in healthy adults. Females with at least one copy of the A allele at OXTR rs2254298 reported greater attachment anxiety than females with two copies of the G allele. Males with at least one copy of the A allele at OXTR rs2254298 reported more autism-associated traits than males with two copies of the G allele. These results support the growing evidence that naturally occurring differences in the oxytocin system contribute to individual differences in social functioning in healthy adults. The authors discuss potential avenues by which sex may moderate the relationship between oxytocin and human social behavior.