Meta-analysis finds no overall link between MHC gene differences and human mate choice
A meta-analysis published in a Theo Murphy meeting issue on olfactory communication found no significant overall link between major histocompatibility complex dissimilarity and human mate selection. The researchers, Havlíček, Winternitz and Roberts, pooled genomic mate-selection studies, relationship satisfaction data and odour preference trials. Genomic studies showed no association between MHC dissimilarity and partner choice among actual couples, and MHC effects appeared independent of genomic background. The effect on relationship satisfaction was not significant either, and the authors found evidence of publication bias in that body of research. Odour preference studies likewise showed no significant association. Combining effect sizes across all four categories produced no overall significant effect of MHC similarity on human mate selection. The authors recommend larger studies with greater geographical and cultural diversity that control for genome-wide similarity, along with closer attention to the mechanisms behind MHC-associated odour preferences and to MHC-associated pregnancy loss.
The findings suggest MHC genetics do not reliably predict who people are attracted to or how satisfied they are with a partner, despite decades of research looking for such a link.
Source: Major histocompatibility complex-associated odour preferences and human mate choice: near and far horizons. (doi.org).
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].
- UK Biobank expands genetic analysis to diverse ancestry groups September 18, 2025
- FinnGen study finds 30 new disease associations in Finnish population January 18, 2023
- GWAS Catalog adds sequencing data, links to Polygenic Score Catalog January 1, 2023
- Common gene variants change how a rare cleft palate mutation plays out July 1, 2022
- Polygenic scores lose accuracy fast across UK Biobank ancestry groups January 1, 2022