Acta Vet. Brno 2021, 90: 295-299

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb202190030295

The association of C789A polymorphism in the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene (DBH) and aggressive behaviour in dogs

Daniel Polasik1, Aneta Konieczna2, Arkadiusz Terman1, Andrzej Dybus1

1West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Department of Genetics, Szczecin, Poland
2West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, Szczecin, Poland

Received May 26, 2020
Accepted August 31, 2021

The genetic basis of aggressive behaviour has been examined extensively, including analysis of genes encoding neurotransmitters, signalling molecules and regulatory enzymes, as well as their synthesis and degradation. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase, an enzyme catalysing the conversion of dopamine into norepinephrine in synaptic endings, significantly affects the modulation of emotional states and behaviour. The aim of this study was to determine the association of C789A polymorphism in the canine dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene (DBH) and aggressive behaviour in dogs. A total of 110 dogs of different breeds were analysed. All animals were classified according to their individual behavioural characteristics, defined by a veterinary interview and observation. Polymorphism was analysed using ACRS-PCR (amplification created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction) method. Significant differences in DBH genotypes and allele frequency between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs were observed (χ2 = 16,232, P = 0.0003). In aggressive dogs, the CC genotype (0.788) and C allele (0.815) were most frequent while in non-aggressive dogs, their frequencies were significantly lower (0.361 and 0.404, respectively). The obtained results indicate that DBH is a promising candidate gene for canine behavioural study.

Funding

The authors thank Dr L. Gugała (Small Animal Veterinary Clinic Leonard Gugała, Szczecin, Poland) for his support during sample collection and behavioural assessment.

References

21 live references