The mu-opioid receptor and the evolution of mother-infant attachment: theoretical comment on Higham et al. (2011)

Genetic variation at a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) of both humans and rhesus macaques Macaca mulatta has been associated with differential affinity to the endogenous ligand beta-endorphin as well as alterations in pain sensitivity, drug and alcohol dependence, and social behaviors. The new study by Higham et al. (2011) presented in the current issue of this journal shows for the first time that some of the natural variation in maternal behavior observed in rhesus macaque populations can also be explained by genetic differences at this SNP. This work, in conjunction with other recent studies showing that genetic variability at this same locus are related to changes in infant attachment, provides unique insights into how opioids have been reutilized during evolution to coordinate the mother-infant relationship.