Wanderlust Gene Test
Do you love adventure, travelling and discovering new places?
You may be one of those people with the “wanderlust” gene. Find out whether thrill seeking is in your DNA.
- Detects the “wanderlust” version of the DRD4 gene
- People who inherit at least one allele of 7 or more repeats (7R+) are more likely to travel often, take risks, explore new places, try new food and be sexually adventurous
- 100% private and confidential online results
$149.00
If you already took the DNA Wanderlust Gene Test, login to your Genebase account to access this app.
If you have not taken the DNA Wanderlust Gene Test, take the DNA test to access this app.
Results in 5 to 7 business days
Detailed Description
The “wanderlust” gene is a genetic variant of the DRD4 gene. This variant is also known as the 7R+ version of the dopamine receptor.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter or a chemical made in the brain that gives us feelings of reward and pleasure. The dopamine receptor D4 (encoded by the DRD4 gene) binds dopamine and transmits the signal into the cells.
The “wanderlust” variant of DRD4 binds dopamine less efficiently, compared to the common 4R version. As a result reduced levels of the dopamine “feel good” signal is transmitted in the brain.
People with this variant need higher dopamine levels to achieve the same “feel good” effects, and appear to increase dopamine levels through novelty-seeking behavior such as traveling, exploring and sexual activity.
Learning more about your genetic make-up can help you to understand your personality better, and help you plan your lifestyle in terms of career directions and types of projects to match your unique DNA.
The Genetics
The DRD4 gene is located on chromosome 11. We inherit two copies of the DRD4 gene – one from each parent. This mean we can inherit two identical copies (e.g. both 4R) or two different copies (e.g. 4R and 7R).
DNA changes in the DRD4 gene often occur in a 48 base pair repeat region, where the number of repeats can range from 2 – 11.
The “wanderlust” DNA test establishes the length of the repeat region within DRD4. It can specify the number of repeats at each copy. Inheriting at least one copy of the 7R+ allele, which includes 7R, 8R, 9R, 10R and 11R, is associated with an increased likelihood to travel, explore, and discover new foods, places and people.
Around 20% of the people around the world have the “wanderlust” gene. But, the prevalence varies significantly between different ethnicities. It’s rare in East and South Asian populations, but is common in the Americas.
One explanation for this is that “wanderlust” drove our ancestors to move out of Africa, to explore the world and populate it. Indeed, studies indicate a link between the “wanderlust” gene and historical migrations.
People who stayed closer to their origins have a lower proportion of the “wanderlust” gene, compared to those who migrated further. Migratory people, like the Mayans, are much more likely to have the 7R+ version than those populations that were more sedentary.
So, it’s entirely possible that lower levels of dopamine and the accompanying restlessness associated with the “wanderlust” gene is what drove Vikings to discover North America, or the Polynesians to venture out into the open sea with nothing but stars to guide them.
How It Works
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