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Multiple genes - and not just the sex chromosomes - are important in sexual orientation, say US scientists.

A University of Illinois team, which has screened the entire human genome, say there is no one 'gay' gene.

Writing in the journal Human Genetics, they said environmental factors are also likely to be involved.

The findings add to the debate over whether sexual orientation is a matter of choice. Campaigners say equality is the more important issue.

Non-sex genes

Much of the past genetic research into male homosexuality had focused solely on the X chromosome, passed down to boys by their mother, according to lead researcher Dr Brian Mustanski.

His team looked at all 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes of 456 individuals from 146 families with two or more gay brothers.

hey found several identical stretches of DNA that were shared among gay siblings on chromosomes other than the female X.

About 60% of these brothers shared identical DNA on three chromosomes - chromosome 7, 8 and 10.

Complex trait

If it were down to chance, only 50% of these stretches would be shared, said the authors.

The region found on chromosome 10 correlated with sexual orientation only when it was inherited from the mother.

Dr Mustanski said the next step would be to see if the findings could be confirmed by further studies, and to identify the particular genes within the newly discovered sequences that are linked to sexual orientation.

"Our study helps to establish that genes play an important role in determining whether a man is gay or heterosexual," he said, but added that other factors were also important.

"Sexual orientation is a complex trait. There is no one 'gay' gene.

"Our best guess is that multiple genes, potentially interacting with environmental influences, explain differences in sexual orientation."

Alan Wardle from the gay rights charity Stonewall said: "It's an interesting study that contributes further to the debate.

"Regardless of whether sexual orientation is determined by nature or nurture or both, the most important thing is that lesbians and gay men are treated equally and are allowed to live their life without discrimination."

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Quote:

About 60% of these brothers shared identical DNA on three chromosomes - chromosome 7, 8 and 10.

Complex trait

If it were down to chance, only 50% of these stretches would be shared, said the authors.

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Catalysis said:

I cant believe millions of dollars are going to fund this kind of research. Sorry i can't contribute more but we have to fight tooth and nail to get funding for legitamate medical research and this pisses me off.

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cb9fl said:

For example, a search for the so-called "gay gene" could lead to the discovery of the cause of a much more serious genetic disorder....

Heh implying that being gay is a serious genetic disorder. Heh

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Hehe! I guess I should've worded that wee bit differently. For the record, I wasn't implying that at all...

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Catalysis said:This was always my real argument why homosexuality is not a genetic disorder. How the fuck can it be a genetic disorder when gays can't have kids!

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cb9fl said:

Evolution seems to me to rule out homosexuality as a legitimate sexual preference. If anything it would seem to be some sort of genetic error since it does not support procreation.

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cb9fl said:

However if homosexuality is found to be against evolution or an aberration then they should not be allowed to adopt children.

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cb9fl said:

If someone is born with a predilection towards pedophilia is it simply accepted or is that something to overcome? If homosexuality does not have a valid evolutionary basis then I believe it is also something to be overcome.

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