Binghamton, NY, USA. The propensity for infidelity could very well be in the cheaters' DNA, according to researchers at Binghamton University.

So when the cheating significant other says "I just can't help it", they may be right if a new theory bears out on what makes humans tick when it comes to sexual activity.

In a first-time study, a research team took a broad look at sexual behavior, matching choices with genes and identified the biggest culprit as the dopamine receptor D4 polymorphism, or DRD4 gene.

The DRD4 gene encodes the D4 dopamine receptor D4, a G protein-coupled receptor, and is known to influence the brain's chemistry, with links to sensation-seeking individual behavior. Previous research has demonstrated a role for DTD4 in a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, most notably bipolar disorder, Parkinsons disease, and schizophrenia. More recently, certain traits characterized as addictive behaviors have been implicated because of a strong correspondence (such as excessive alcohol use, hypersexuality, eating disorders, gambling, general novelty seeking, and even political ideology).

These gene/behavior relationships are associative: not everyone with this genotype will have one-night stands or commit infidelity. Indeed, many people without this genotype still have one-night stands and commit infidelity. The study merely suggests that a much higher proportion of those with this genetic type are likely to engage in these behaviors.

A larger and more ethnically diverse sample would be necessary to discern the extent to which genetic typing is sex-dependent. This would provide a more factual basis when answering a common question: "Do men cheat more than women?".Justin Garcia is a Doctoral Diversity Fellow in the laboratory of evolutionary anthropology and health at Binghamton University, State University of New York. "We already know that while many people experience sexual activity, the circumstances, meaning and behavior is different for each person," said Garcia.

"Some will experience sex with committed romantic partners, others in uncommitted one-night stands. Many will experience multiple types of sexual relationships, some even occurring at the same time, while others will exchange sex for resources or money. What we didn't know was how we are motivated to engage in one form and not another, particularly when it comes to promiscuity and infidelity."

Gathering a detailed history of the sexual behavior and intimate relationships of 181 young adults along with samples of their DNA, Garcia and his team of investigators were able to determine that individual differences in sexual behavior could indeed be influenced by individual genetic variation.

"What we found was that individuals with a certain variant of the DRD4 gene were more likely to have a history of uncommitted sex, including one-night stands and acts of infidelity," said Garcia. "The motivation seems to stem from a system of pleasure and reward, which is where the release of dopamine comes in. In cases of uncommitted sex, the risks are high, the rewards substantial and the motivation variable — all elements that ensure a dopamine rush."

According to Garcia, these results provide some of the first biological evidence that at first glance, seems to be somewhat of a contradiction: that individuals could be looking for a serious committed long-term relationship, but have a history of one-night stands.

The data suggest it is quite reasonable that someone could be wildly in love with their partner but commit infidelity: he or she can still bevery deeply attached and care for their partner.

It comes down to a DRD4 variation in each individual.

Differences in the internal drive for a dopamine rush can function independently from the drive for commitment.Garcia cautions that the consequences of risky sexual behavior can indeed be extreme. "One-night stands can be risky, both physically and psychologically," said Garcia. "And betrayal can be one of the most devastating things to happen to a couple. These genes do not give anyone an excuse, but they do provide a window into how our biology shapes our propensities for a wide variety of behaviors."

At this point, very little is known about how genetics and neurobiology influence one's sexuality propensities and tendencies but Garcia is hopeful that this study will add to the growing base of knowledge — in particular, how genes might predispose individuals to pursue sensation seeking across all sorts of domains — from substance use to sexuality. This study also provides further support for the notion that the biological foundations for sexual desire may often operate independently from, although absolutely linked to, deep feelings of romantic attachment.

As Garcia points out, he and his team of study co-authors have only just begun to explore the issue and plan on conducting a series of follow-up and related studies. "We want to run a larger sample of men and women to replicate these findings and check for several other possible genetic markers," said Garcia.

"We will also be conducting a number of behavioral and biological studies to better understand what kinds of associated factors motivate uncommitted sexual behavior. Most importantly, we want to explore the receiving end of infidelity by looking at how people respond to cases of uncommitted sex and infidelity."

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