Gene offers clue to dog taming

Researchers may have discovered genetic evidence for how dogs became man’s best friend.

A new study suggests mutations in a gene involved in the production of the stress hormone cortisol may have played a role in the domestication of canines.

This is because it may have allowed the animals to develop skills in order to interact and communicate with people.

Miho Nagasawa of Azabu University, Japan, and colleagues investigated the interactions of 624 domestic dogs by setting them two tasks – one on problem solving and the other on gesture interpretation – to test their understanding of human signalling.

The team found that the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) gene was common to both tasks being done sucessfully, and may have contributed to dog domestication by promoting lower levels of stress around humans.*