Two mutations in one gene involved in the production stress hormone they may have played role in domestication dogs, by letting them develop social cognitive skills for interaction and communicate with people.

A study published this ThursdayScientific Reports‘ headed by University of Azabu (Japan) He suggests that mutations in the melancorin 2 receptor (MC2R) gene may have facilitated the domestication of these animals. promoting lower stress levels around people.

domestication of dogs contains changes in different genesoften under the control of hormones that influence social behavior, but exactly what genetic changes occur has not been determined.

The team, led by Miho Nagasawa, Social cognitive interactions of 624 pet dogs through two missions.

In the first, the dogs had to decide which bowl was hiding food under them based on cues given by team members, such as staring, pointing, and hitting. tested the animal’s sense of gestures and human communication.

Next, they had to try to open a container to access the food, and the researchers measured the frequency and time the dogs spent caring for the researchers, which represented social attachment to humans.

Dogs were divided into two groups based on their breed: the Ancient group, which consists of breeds thought to be genetically closer to the wolf, such as the Akita and the Siberian Husky, and the general group, which includes other breeds that are furthest apart. Kurd.

Those in the former group looked less at people during the problem-solving task.The university clarified that there were no significant race-related differences in the first assignment, while suggesting that they were less committed to them.

The authors investigated differences in genes associated with human cognitive abilities between the former and general groups.

Among the genes studied were oxytocin (OT), oxytocin receptor (OTR), or melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R).

Two changes in the MC2R gene were both associated with correct interpretation of gestures in the first task. It’s like looking more at people in the task of solving problems.