Abstract
We interrogated the genetic modulation of maternal oxytocin response and its association with maternal behavior using genetic risk scores within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene. We identified a novel SNP, rs968389, to be significantly associated with maternal oxytocin response after a challenging mother-infant interaction task (Still Face Paradigm) and maternal separation anxiety from the infant. Performing a multiallelic analysis across OXTR by calculating a cumulative genetic risk score revealed a significant gene-by-environment (G × E) interaction, with OXTR genetic risk score interacting with adult separation anxiety to modulate levels of maternal sensitivity. Mothers with higher OXTR genetic risk score and adult separation anxiety showed significantly reduced levels of maternal sensitivity during free play with the infant. The same G × E interaction was also observed for the extended OXTR cumulative genetic risk score that included rs968389. Moreover, the extended cumulative OXTR genetic risk score itself was found to be significantly associated with maternal separation anxiety as it specifically relates to the infant. Our results suggest a complex montage of individual and synergistic genetic mediators of maternal behavior. These findings add to specific knowledge about genetic regulation of maternal oxytocin response in relation to maternal adjustment and infant bonding through the first few months of life.
Highlights
Humans are social beings who are biologically tuned to form selective and enduring bonds with other individuals
Given the known association between oxytocin and maternal caregiving behavior, we tested the relationship between this SNP and maternal behavior related to the care of the infant including separation anxiety as measured by the Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale (MSAS) subscales
The rs968389 was significantly associated with the total MSAS scores (p = 0.033∗, R2 = 3.9%) and with maternal care behavior including when separating from the infant (p = 0.014∗, R2 = 4.9%; see Figure 1)
Summary
Humans are social beings who are biologically tuned to form selective and enduring bonds with other individuals. These social bonds provide protection and caregiving and offer comfort during times of distress [1]. Studies in humans [6,7,8] and rodents [5, 9] have demonstrated the role of oxytocin in maternal caregiving behavior, with higher levels observed in securely attached mothers after interaction with their infants. Neural Plasticity mothers with secure attachment styles show an increased oxytocin response following interaction with their infants, exhibiting greater activation of the brain reward regions and the oxytocin-associated hypothalamus/pituitary region [6]. ASA mediated the association between anxious attachment and depression, while depressed mood mediated the relationship between separation anxiety and low oxytocin levels [13]
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