{"title":"Emerging insights into the genetics and evolution of human same-sex sexual behavior.","authors":"Thomas Felesina, Brendan P Zietsch","doi":"10.1016/j.tig.2024.12.005","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thanks to twin studies, it has been known for decades that human same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) has a substantial heritable component. However, only recently have large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) begun to illuminate the complex genetics involved. These studies have established that SSB is influenced by many common genetic variants, each with tiny but cumulative effects. The evolutionary explanation for the persistence of genetic variants associated with SSB, despite their apparent fitness costs, remains uncertain. In this review, we synthesize advances in understanding the genetic and evolutionary bases of SSB, while identifying the many areas in which we still have much to learn.</p>","PeriodicalId":54413,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Genetics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in Genetics","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2024.12.005","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"GENETICS & HEREDITY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Thanks to twin studies, it has been known for decades that human same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) has a substantial heritable component. However, only recently have large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) begun to illuminate the complex genetics involved. These studies have established that SSB is influenced by many common genetic variants, each with tiny but cumulative effects. The evolutionary explanation for the persistence of genetic variants associated with SSB, despite their apparent fitness costs, remains uncertain. In this review, we synthesize advances in understanding the genetic and evolutionary bases of SSB, while identifying the many areas in which we still have much to learn.
期刊介绍:
Launched in 1985, Trends in Genetics swiftly established itself as a "must-read" for geneticists, offering concise, accessible articles covering a spectrum of topics from developmental biology to evolution. This reputation endures, making TiG a cherished resource in the genetic research community. While evolving with the field, the journal now embraces new areas like genomics, epigenetics, and computational genetics, alongside its continued coverage of traditional subjects such as transcriptional regulation, population genetics, and chromosome biology.
Despite expanding its scope, the core objective of TiG remains steadfast: to furnish researchers and students with high-quality, innovative reviews, commentaries, and discussions, fostering an appreciation for advances in genetic research. Each issue of TiG presents lively and up-to-date Reviews and Opinions, alongside shorter articles like Science & Society and Spotlight pieces. Invited from leading researchers, Reviews objectively chronicle recent developments, Opinions provide a forum for debate and hypothesis, and shorter articles explore the intersection of genetics with science and policy, as well as emerging ideas in the field. All articles undergo rigorous peer-review.