Genes linked to homosexuality have been discovered by scientists in the biggest ever study into the genetic basis for sexual orientation.

在迄今為止最大規模的針對性取向遺傳基礎的研究中，科學家發現了與同性戀相關的基因。

For the first time, researchers looked at the complete genome - a person's entire DNA code - for more than 1,000 gay men and compared it to genetic data from a similar number of heterosexual males.

研究人員首次研究了1000多名同性戀男性的完整基因組--即個人全部的DNA代碼，并將其與類似數量的異性戀男子的基因數據進行比較。

They discovered that DNA was different for gay and straight men around the genes SLITRK5 and SLITRK6.

他們發現，同性戀和異性戀男子在SLITRK5和SLITRK6兩種基因上存在差異。

SLITRK6 is an important gene for brain development, and is particularly active in a region of the brain which includes the hypothalamus.

SLITRK6是一種促進大腦發育的重要基因，在包括下丘腦的大腦區域尤為活躍。

The hypothalamus is crucial for producing the hormones which control sex drive, and previous studies have shown parts of it are up to 34 per cent larger in gay men.

下丘腦對于產生控制性沖動的激素至關重要，以往的研究表明，同性戀男子下丘腦的某些部位比普通人要大出34%。

The researchers, from North Shore University Health System's Research Institute, in Illinois, US, also discovered differences in the TSHR gene, which is linked to the thyroid, another area which has previously been associated with sexual orientation.

美國伊利諾伊州北岸大學衛生系統研究學院的研究人員還發現了TSHR基因中的差別，這種基因與甲狀腺有關，而之前的研究發現甲狀腺也影響性取向。

"Because sexuality is an essential part of human life – for individuals and society – it is important to understand the development and expression of human sexual orientation," said lead author Dr Alan Sanders.

該研究的第一作者艾倫·桑德斯說：“由于性行為是人類生活必不可少的一部分，理解人類性取向的發展和表達很重要。”

"The goal of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of male sexual orientation, and thus ultimately increase our knowledge of biological mechanisms underlying sexual orientation."

“這項研究的目的是尋找男性性取向的基因基礎，從而最終提高我們對性取向的生物學機制的認識。”

"What we have accomplished is a first step for genome wide study on the trait, and we hope that subsequent larger studies will further illuminate its genetic contributions."

“我們已經完成了這個特性全基因組研究的第一步，我們希望后續的更大規模的研究將進一步闡明其基因作用。”

Participants in the study were rated for sexual orientation based on their self-reported sexual identity and sexual feelings. Men were asked to provide DNA by blood or saliva samples that were then genotyped and analysed.

研究根據參與者自述的性身份和性感受來將他們的性取向分級，還通過他們血液或唾液樣本提供的DNA進行基因分析。

Although previous studies have pointed to a genetic predisposition for homosexuality, it is the first time researchers have studied the entire genome of individuals and so is the most comprehensive assessment of the genetic basis of sexuality ever undertaken.

盡管以往也有研究指出同性戀具有基因誘因，但本次是研究人員首次研究個人的全部基因組，是對性基因基礎的最全面評估。

However British experts said more work was needed before it was possible to identify 'gay genes' because the genetic differences could point to other traits shared by the homosexual respondents.

不過，英國專家表示，在有可能確認“同性戀基因”之前，還有許多工作要做，因為基因差異可以指向同性戀者所共有的其他特征。

Genes linked to homosexuality have been discovered by scientists in the biggest ever study into the genetic basis for sexual orientation.

在迄今為止最大規模的針對性取向遺傳基礎的研究中，科學家發現了與同性戀相關的基因。

For the first time, researchers looked at the complete genome - a person's entire DNA code - for more than 1,000 gay men and compared it to genetic data from a similar number of heterosexual males.

研究人員首次研究了1000多名同性戀男性的完整基因組--即個人全部的DNA代碼，并將其與類似數量的異性戀男子的基因數據進行比較。

They discovered that DNA was different for gay and straight men around the genes SLITRK5 and SLITRK6.

他們發現，同性戀和異性戀男子在SLITRK5和SLITRK6兩種基因上存在差異。

SLITRK6 is an important gene for brain development, and is particularly active in a region of the brain which includes the hypothalamus.

SLITRK6是一種促進大腦發育的重要基因，在包括下丘腦的大腦區域尤為活躍。

The hypothalamus is crucial for producing the hormones which control sex drive, and previous studies have shown parts of it are up to 34 per cent larger in gay men.

下丘腦對于產生控制性沖動的激素至關重要，以往的研究表明，同性戀男子下丘腦的某些部位比普通人要大出34%。

The researchers, from North Shore University Health System's Research Institute, in Illinois, US, also discovered differences in the TSHR gene, which is linked to the thyroid, another area which has previously been associated with sexual orientation.

美國伊利諾伊州北岸大學衛生系統研究學院的研究人員還發現了TSHR基因中的差別，這種基因與甲狀腺有關，而之前的研究發現甲狀腺也影響性取向。

"Because sexuality is an essential part of human life – for individuals and society – it is important to understand the development and expression of human sexual orientation," said lead author Dr Alan Sanders.

該研究的第一作者艾倫·桑德斯說：“由于性行為是人類生活必不可少的一部分，理解人類性取向的發展和表達很重要。”

"The goal of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of male sexual orientation, and thus ultimately increase our knowledge of biological mechanisms underlying sexual orientation."

“這項研究的目的是尋找男性性取向的基因基礎，從而最終提高我們對性取向的生物學機制的認識。”

"What we have accomplished is a first step for genome wide study on the trait, and we hope that subsequent larger studies will further illuminate its genetic contributions."

“我們已經完成了這個特性全基因組研究的第一步，我們希望后續的更大規模的研究將進一步闡明其基因作用。”

Participants in the study were rated for sexual orientation based on their self-reported sexual identity and sexual feelings. Men were asked to provide DNA by blood or saliva samples that were then genotyped and analysed.

研究根據參與者自述的性身份和性感受來將他們的性取向分級，還通過他們血液或唾液樣本提供的DNA進行基因分析。

Although previous studies have pointed to a genetic predisposition for homosexuality, it is the first time researchers have studied the entire genome of individuals and so is the most comprehensive assessment of the genetic basis of sexuality ever undertaken.

盡管以往也有研究指出同性戀具有基因誘因，但本次是研究人員首次研究個人的全部基因組，是對性基因基礎的最全面評估。

However British experts said more work was needed before it was possible to identify 'gay genes' because the genetic differences could point to other traits shared by the homosexual respondents.

不過，英國專家表示，在有可能確認“同性戀基因”之前，還有許多工作要做，因為基因差異可以指向同性戀者所共有的其他特征。