Allele distribution and effect on reporter gene expression of vasopressin receptor gene (AVPR1a)-linked VNTR in primates

We surveyed repeat sequence in the 5′ flanking region of primate arginine vasopressin receptor 1a gene (AVPR1a) which is important for social behavior in mammals. The amplified region was polymorphic in length in all species investigated. In addition, length variants were examined for promoter activity by in vitro expression of the luciferase gene. However, no significant difference was observed. This region could be a marker to further survey functional difference between and within species.