# Positive Selection in Aggression-Linked Genes and Their Protein Interaction Networks

## TL;DR

The study finds genetic variations in aggression-linked genes that may be shaped by natural selection and could influence biological processes related to behavior.

## Contribution

The paper identifies new SNPs under positive selection in genes related to aggression and explores their potential functional roles.

## Key findings

- 15 SNPs in four genes (SEC24B, NCOA2, CTNNA1, ALDH3A2) show evidence of positive selection.
- Selected SNPs are associated with biological processes like protein trafficking and endocrine regulation.
- Some SNPs act as eQTLs and are located in transcription factor binding sites.

## Abstract

Aggressive behavior is a complex and multifactorial trait influenced by several genes and shaped by societal and cultural constraints. To trace adaptation signals and identify potential new genes related to aggressive behavior, we explored variations in nine genes previously linked to aggressive behavior, as well as their 74 interacting genes retrieved from the STRING database. We identified 15 SNPs under positive selection in four genes (SEC24B, NCOA2, CTNNA1, and ALDH3A2), with selection consistently confirmed by both iHS and xp-EHH analyses. Among these, 15 SNPs showed high pairwise FST values and pronounced allele frequency differences between populations, suggesting their potential role in the local adaptation of the studied populations. The functional importance of these SNPs was confirmed by ten acting as eQTLs and five located in transcription factor binding sequences. The observed selection signatures may reflect adaptation in diverse biological processes, including protein trafficking and signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, endocrine regulation, and lipid and aldehyde detoxification. Although these processes are not directly linked to aggression, they may have downstream effects on neurodevelopmental and hormonal regulation that could indirectly influence behavioral phenotypes. Experimental validation is required to confirm these signals and to clarify their functional and biological significance.