Trial Information

Genetic Factors and Interrelationships for Sexual Orientation, Susceptibility to HIV and Kaposi's Sarcoma, Alcoholism and Psychological Traits, and Histocompatibility Antigens

We propose to test, by DNA linkage analysis of family pedigree members, the following
interrelated hypotheses: 1) that sexual orientation is genetically influenced; 2) that the
development of Kaposi's sarcoma and other outcomes of HIV infection in male homosexuals is
affected by host susceptibility genes, circulating sex hormone levels, or HLA haplotype; and
3) that alcoholism and other psychobehavioral conditions are associated with homosexuality
on a genetic basis and/or influenced by candidate behavioral loci. The subjects for these
studies will be self-identified male and female homosexual probands and their relatives from
families in which there are at least two individuals with homosexual orientation. All
subjects will be adults, and will be referred through NIH physicians, private practitioners,
and gay and lesbian organizations. Subjects will undergo a sexual orientation and behaviors
interview, a psychiatric interview, and phlebotomy for HIV testing, HLA determination,
endocrine measurements, and preparation of DNA from cultured lymphocytes. The DNA samples
will be analyzed for a series of genetic markers that span the human genome and for
candidate loci chosen for function.