1
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Howarth ERI, Szott ID, Witham CL, Wilding CS, Bethell EJ. Genetic polymorphisms in the serotonin, dopamine and opioid pathways influence social attention in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288108. [PMID: 37531334 PMCID: PMC10395878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Behaviour has a significant heritable component; however, unpicking the variants of interest in the neural circuits and molecular pathways that underpin these has proven difficult. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between known and new candidate genes from identified pathways and key behaviours for survival in 109 adult rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Eight genes involved in emotion were analysed for variation at a total of nine loci. Genetic data were then correlated with cognitive and observational measures of behaviour associated with wellbeing and survival using MCMC-based Bayesian GLMM in R, to account for relatedness within the macaque population. For four loci the variants genotyped were length polymorphisms (SLC6A4 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter length-polymorphic repeat (5-HTTLPR), SLC6A4 STin polymorphism, Tryptophan 5-hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) and Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)) whilst for the other five (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), Dopamine Receptor D4 (DRD4), Oxytocin receptor (OXTR), Arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1a), Opioid receptor mu(μ) 1 (OPRM1)) SNPs were analysed. STin genotype, DRD4 haplotype and OXTR haplotype were significantly associated with the cognitive and observational measures of behaviour associated with wellbeing and survival. Genotype for 5-HTTLPR, STin and AVPR1a, and haplotype for HTR2A, DRD4 and OXTR were significantly associated with the duration of behaviours including fear and anxiety. Understanding the biological underpinnings of individual variation in negative emotion (e.g., fear and anxiety), together with their impact on social behaviour (e.g., social attention including vigilance for threat) has application for managing primate populations in the wild and captivity, as well as potential translational application for understanding of the genetic basis of emotions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmeline R. I. Howarth
- Research Centre in Brain and Behaviour, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Chester, Chester, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle D. Szott
- Research Centre in Brain and Behaviour, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Claire L. Witham
- Centre for Macaques, Harwell Institute, Medical Research Council, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Craig S. Wilding
- Biodiversity and Conservation Group, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Bethell
- Research Centre in Brain and Behaviour, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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2
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Stratton JA, Nolte MJ, Payseur BA. Genetics of behavioural evolution in giant mice from Gough Island. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222603. [PMID: 37161324 PMCID: PMC10170209 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of behaviour on islands is a pervasive phenomenon that contributed to Darwin's theory of natural selection. Island populations frequently show increased boldness and exploration compared with their mainland counterparts. Despite the generality of this pattern, the genetic basis of island-associated behaviours remains a mystery. To address this gap in knowledge, we genetically dissected behaviour in 613 F2s generated by crossing inbred mouse strains from Gough Island (where they live without predators or human commensals) and a mainland conspecific. We used open field and light/dark box tests to measure seven behaviours related to boldness and exploration in juveniles and adults. Across all assays, we identified a total of 41 quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing boldness and exploration. QTL have moderate effects and are often unique to specific behaviours or ages. Function-valued trait mapping revealed changes in estimated effects of QTL during assays, providing a rare dynamic window into the genetics of behaviour often missed by standard approaches. The genomic locations of QTL are distinct from those found in laboratory strains of mice, indicating different genetic paths to the evolution of similar behaviours. We combine our mapping results with extensive phenotypic and genetic information available for laboratory mice to nominate candidate genes for the evolution of behaviour on islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jered A. Stratton
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Mark J. Nolte
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Bret A. Payseur
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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3
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Ramos A, Granzotto N, Kremer R, Boeder AM, de Araújo JFP, Pereira AG, Izídio GS. Hunting for Genes Underlying Emotionality in the Laboratory Rat: Maps, Tools and Traps. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1840-1863. [PMID: 36056863 PMCID: PMC10514530 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220901154034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists have systematically investigated the hereditary bases of behaviors since the 19th century, moved by either evolutionary questions or clinically-motivated purposes. The pioneer studies on the genetic selection of laboratory animals had already indicated, one hundred years ago, the immense complexity of analyzing behaviors that were influenced by a large number of small-effect genes and an incalculable amount of environmental factors. Merging Mendelian, quantitative and molecular approaches in the 1990s made it possible to map specific rodent behaviors to known chromosome regions. From that point on, Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analyses coupled with behavioral and molecular techniques, which involved in vivo isolation of relevant blocks of genes, opened new avenues for gene mapping and characterization. This review examines the QTL strategy applied to the behavioral study of emotionality, with a focus on the laboratory rat. We discuss the challenges, advances and limitations of the search for Quantitative Trait Genes (QTG) playing a role in regulating emotionality. For the past 25 years, we have marched the long journey from emotionality-related behaviors to genes. In this context, our experiences are used to illustrate why and how one should move forward in the molecular understanding of complex psychiatric illnesses. The promise of exploring genetic links between immunological and emotional responses are also discussed. New strategies based on humans, rodents and other animals (such as zebrafish) are also acknowledged, as they are likely to allow substantial progress to be made in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Ramos
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Natalli Granzotto
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Rafael Kremer
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Ariela Maína Boeder
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Julia Fernandez Puñal de Araújo
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Aline Guimarães Pereira
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Developmental and Cellular Biology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
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4
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Abstract
The question of the heritability of behavior has been of long fascination to scientists and the broader public. It is now widely accepted that most behavioral variation has a genetic component, although the degree of genetic influence differs widely across behaviors. Starting with Mendel's remarkable discovery of "inheritance factors," it has become increasingly clear that specific genetic variants that influence behavior can be identified. This goal is not without its challenges: Unlike pea morphology, most natural behavioral variation has a complex genetic architecture. However, we can now apply powerful genome-wide approaches to connect variation in DNA to variation in behavior as well as analyses of behaviorally related variation in brain gene expression, which together have provided insights into both the genetic mechanisms underlying behavior and the dynamic relationship between genes and behavior, respectively, in a wide range of species and for a diversity of behaviors. Here, we focus on two systems to illustrate both of these approaches: the genetic basis of burrowing in deer mice and transcriptomic analyses of division of labor in honey bees. Finally, we discuss the troubled relationship between the field of behavioral genetics and eugenics, which reminds us that we must be cautious about how we discuss and contextualize the connections between genes and behavior, especially in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hopi E. Hoekstra
- Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- HHMI, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Gene E. Robinson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
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5
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Chou MY, Appan D, Chang KW, Chou CH, Lin CY, Gau SSF, Huang HS. Mouse hybrid genome mediates diverse brain phenotypes with the specificity of reciprocal crosses. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22232. [PMID: 35199866 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101624r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid species have more genetic diversity than their parents. However, the impact of the hybrid genome of reciprocal crosses on brain function remains largely unknown. We performed behavioral, molecular, and neuronal analyses on C57BL/6J mice (B6), CAST/EiJ mice (CAST), and hybrid mice resulting from reciprocal crosses of the two strains, B6/CAST F1i and B6/CAST F1r, respectively. Hybrid mice displayed greater motor strength and coordination, food grinding, social dominance, and less sociability compared to their parental strains. Parental origin influenced body weight, locomotor speed, and heat nociception of hybrid mice. Parental origin, cell type, and the interaction of both affected expression patterns of hybrid genomes including imprinted genes. There was a correlation between affected genes and corresponding behavioral phenotypes. Hybrid genomes mediated neuronal activity in the locus coeruleus, a brain region implicated in arousal, adaptive behaviors, and sleep-wake cycle due to its norepinephrine projections throughout the central nervous system. The comprehensive brain phenotypes in these hybrid mice reveal important functional readouts associated with interactions of hybrid genomes and impacts of parental genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yi Chou
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dhivya Appan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Wei Chang
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsuan Chou
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Lin
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Sung Huang
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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6
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Abstract
Island populations are hallmarks of extreme phenotypic evolution. Radical changes in resource availability and predation risk accompanying island colonization drive changes in behavior, which Darwin likened to tameness in domesticated animals. Although many examples of animal boldness are found on islands, the heritability of observed behaviors, a requirement for evolution, remains largely unknown. To fill this gap, we profiled anxiety and exploration in island and mainland inbred strains of house mice raised in a common laboratory environment. The island strain was descended from mice on Gough Island, the largest wild house mice on record. Experiments utilizing open environments across two ages showed that Gough Island mice are bolder and more exploratory, even when a shelter is provided. Concurrently, Gough Island mice retain an avoidance response to predator urine. F1 offspring from crosses between these two strains behave more similarly to the mainland strain for most traits, suggesting recessive mutations contributed to behavioral evolution on the island. Our results provide a rare example of novel, inherited behaviors in an island population and demonstrate that behavioral evolution can be specific to different forms of perceived danger. Our discoveries pave the way for a genetic understanding of how island populations evolve unusual behaviors.
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7
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Inbred lab mice are not isogenic: genetic variation within inbred strains used to infer the mutation rate per nucleotide site. Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 126:107-116. [PMID: 32868871 PMCID: PMC7852876 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For over a century, inbred mice have been used in many areas of genetics research to gain insight into the genetic variation underlying traits of interest. The generalizability of any genetic research study in inbred mice is dependent upon all individual mice being genetically identical, which in turn is dependent on the breeding designs of companies that supply inbred mice to researchers. Here, we compare whole-genome sequences from individuals of four commonly used inbred strains that were procured from either the colony nucleus or from a production colony (which can be as many as ten generations removed from the nucleus) of a large commercial breeder, in order to investigate the extent and nature of genetic variation within and between individuals. We found that individuals within strains are not isogenic, and there are differences in the levels of genetic variation that are explained by differences in the genetic distance from the colony nucleus. In addition, we employ a novel approach to mutation rate estimation based on the observed genetic variation and the expected site frequency spectrum at equilibrium, given a fully inbred breeding design. We find that it provides a reasonable per nucleotide mutation rate estimate when mice come from the colony nucleus (~7.9 × 10−9 in C3H/HeN), but substantially inflated estimates when mice come from production colonies.
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8
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Ishikawa A, Sakaguchi M, Nagano AJ, Suzuki S. Genetic Architecture of Innate Fear Behavior in Chickens. Behav Genet 2020; 50:411-422. [PMID: 32770288 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-020-10012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The genetic architecture of innate fear behavior in chickens is poorly understood. Here, we performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of innate responses to tonic immobility (TI) and open field (OF) fears in 242 newly hatched chicks of an F2 population between the native Japanese Nagoya breed and the White Leghorn breed using 881 single nucleotide polymorphism markers obtained by restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. At genome-wide 5% significance levels, four QTL for TI traits were revealed on chromosomes 1-3 and 24. Two of these loci had sex-specific effects on the traits. For OF traits, three QTL were revealed on chromosomes 2, 4 and 7. The TI and OF QTL identified showed no overlaps in genomic regions and different modes of inheritance. The three TI QTL and one OF QTL exerted antagonistic effects on the traits. The results demonstrated that context-dependent QTL underlie the variations in innate TI and OF behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
| | - Marina Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Atsushi J Nagano
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukoku University, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2194, Japan
| | - Sae Suzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
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9
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Bubac CM, Miller JM, Coltman DW. The genetic basis of animal behavioural diversity in natural populations. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1957-1971. [PMID: 32374914 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Individual differences in animal behaviour influence ecological and evolutionary processes. Much behavioural variation has a heritable component, suggesting that genetics may play a role in its development. Yet, the study of the mechanistic description linking genes to behaviour in nature remains in its infancy, and such research is considered a challenge in contemporary biology. Here, we performed a literature review and meta-analysis to assess trends in analytical approaches used to investigate the relationship between genes and behaviour in natural systems, specifically candidate gene approaches, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We aimed to determine the efficacy and success of each approach, while also describing which behaviours and species were examined by researchers most often. We found that the majority of QTL mapping and GWAS results revealed a significant or suggestive effect (Zr = 0.3 [95% CI: 0.25:0.35] and Zr = 0.39 [0.33:0.46], respectively) between the trait of interest and genetic marker(s) tested, while over half of candidate gene accounts (Zr = 0.16 [0.11:0.21]) did not find a significant association. Approximately a third of all study estimates investigated animal personality traits; though, reproductive and migratory behaviours were also well-represented. Our findings show that despite widespread accessibility of molecular approaches given current sequencing technologies, efforts to elucidate the genetic basis of behaviour in free-ranging systems has been limited to relatively few species. We discuss challenges encountered by researchers, and recommend integration of novel genomic methods with longitudinal studies to usher in the next wave of behavioural genomic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Bubac
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joshua M Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David W Coltman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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10
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Abstract
Nervous systems allow animals to acutely respond and behaviorally adapt to changes and recurring patterns in their environment at multiple timescales-from milliseconds to years. Behavior is further shaped at intergenerational timescales by genetic variation, drift, and selection. This sophistication and flexibility of behavior makes it challenging to measure behavior consistently in individual subjects and to compare it across individuals. In spite of these challenges, careful behavioral observations in nature and controlled measurements in the laboratory, combined with modern technologies and powerful genetic approaches, have led to important discoveries about the way genetic variation shapes behavior. A critical mass of genes whose variation is known to modulate behavior in nature is finally accumulating, allowing us to recognize emerging patterns. In this review, we first discuss genetic mapping approaches useful for studying behavior. We then survey how variation acts at different levels-in environmental sensation, in internal neuronal circuits, and outside the nervous system altogether-and then discuss the sources and types of molecular variation linked to behavior and the mechanisms that shape such variation. We end by discussing remaining questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Niepoth
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
| | - Andres Bendesky
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
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11
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Friedrich J, Strandberg E, Arvelius P, Sánchez-Molano E, Pong-Wong R, Hickey JM, Haskell MJ, Wiener P. Genetic dissection of complex behaviour traits in German Shepherd dogs. Heredity (Edinb) 2019; 123:746-758. [PMID: 31611599 PMCID: PMC6834583 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-019-0275-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A favourable genetic structure and diversity of behavioural features highlights the potential of dogs for studying the genetic architecture of behaviour traits. However, behaviours are complex traits, which have been shown to be influenced by numerous genetic and non-genetic factors, complicating their analysis. In this study, the genetic contribution to behaviour variation in German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) was analysed using genomic approaches. GSDs were phenotyped for behaviour traits using the established Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and regional heritability mapping (RHM) approaches were employed to identify associations between behaviour traits and genetic variants, while accounting for relevant non-genetic factors. By combining these complementary methods we endeavoured to increase the power to detect loci with small effects. Several behavioural traits exhibited moderate heritabilities, with the highest identified for Human-directed playfulness, a trait characterised by positive interactions with humans. We identified several genomic regions associated with one or more of the analysed behaviour traits. Some candidate genes located in these regions were previously linked to behavioural disorders in humans, suggesting a new context for their influence on behaviour characteristics. Overall, the results support dogs as a valuable resource to dissect the genetic architecture of behaviour traits and also highlight the value of focusing on a single breed in order to control for background genetic effects and thus avoid limitations of between-breed analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Friedrich
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Erling Strandberg
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7023, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Arvelius
- Swedish Armed Forces Dog Training Centre, PO Box 194, 195 24, Märsta, Sweden
| | - E Sánchez-Molano
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ricardo Pong-Wong
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - John M Hickey
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Marie J Haskell
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Group, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Pamela Wiener
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
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12
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13
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Iancu OD, Boutros SW, Olsen RHJ, Davis MJ, Stewart B, Eiwaz M, Marzulla T, Belknap J, Fallgren CM, Edmondson EF, Weil MM, Raber J. Space Radiation Alters Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Fear Learning and Memory Tests. Front Genet 2018; 9:404. [PMID: 30356920 PMCID: PMC6190902 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral and cognitive traits have a genetic component even though contributions from individual genes and genomic loci are in many cases modest. Changes in the environment can alter genotype–phenotype relationships. Space travel, which includes exposure to ionizing radiation, constitutes environmental challenges and is expected to induce not only dramatic behavioral and cognitive changes but also has the potential to induce physical DNA damage. In this study, we utilized a genetically heterogeneous mouse model, dense genotype data, and shifting environmental challenges, including ionizing radiation exposure, to explore and quantify the size and stability of the genetic component of fear learning and memory-related measures. Exposure to ionizing radiation and other external stressors altered the genotype–phenotype correlations, although different behavioral and cognitive measures were affected to different extents. Utilizing an integrative genomic approach, we identified pathways and functional ontology categories associated with these behavioral and cognitive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Dan Iancu
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sydney Weber Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Reid H J Olsen
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Matthew J Davis
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Blair Stewart
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Massarra Eiwaz
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Tessa Marzulla
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - John Belknap
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Christina M Fallgren
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Elijah F Edmondson
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Michael M Weil
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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14
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Carlson BM, Klingler IB, Meyer BJ, Gross JB. Genetic analysis reveals candidate genes for activity QTL in the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5189. [PMID: 30042884 PMCID: PMC6054784 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models provide useful tools for exploring the genetic basis of morphological, physiological and behavioral phenotypes. Cave-adapted species are particularly powerful models for a broad array of phenotypic changes with evolutionary, developmental and clinical relevance. Here, we explored the genetic underpinnings of previously characterized differences in locomotor activity patterns between the surface-dwelling and Pachón cave-dwelling populations of Astyanax mexicanus. We identified multiple novel QTL underlying patterns in overall levels of activity (velocity), as well as spatial tank use (time spent near the top or bottom of the tank). Further, we demonstrated that different regions of the genome mediate distinct patterns in velocity and tank usage. We interrogated eight genomic intervals underlying these activity QTL distributed across six linkage groups. In addition, we employed transcriptomic data and draft genomic resources to generate and evaluate a list of 36 potential candidate genes. Interestingly, our data support the candidacy of a number of genes, but do not suggest that differences in the patterns of behavior observed here are the result of alterations to certain candidate genes described in other species (e.g., teleost multiple tissue opsins, melanopsins or members of the core circadian clockwork). This study expands our knowledge of the genetic architecture underlying activity differences in surface and cavefish. Future studies will help define the role of specific genes in shaping complex behavioral phenotypes in Astyanax and other vertebrate taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Carlson
- Department of Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, United States of America
| | - Ian B Klingler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Bradley J Meyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Joshua B Gross
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
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15
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Abstract
Recent years have seen an increase in studies that associate genomic loci with behavioral variation both within and across animal species. Ryan York compiles and analyzes over 1,000 of these loci, finding that the genetic... Although most animal behaviors are associated with some form of heritable genetic variation, we do not yet understand how genes sculpt behavior across evolution, either directly or indirectly. To address this, I here compile a data set comprised of over 1000 genomic loci representing a spectrum of behavioral variation across animal taxa. Comparative analyses reveal that courtship and feeding behaviors are associated with genomic regions of significantly greater effect than other traits, on average threefold greater than other behaviors. Investigations of whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic data for 87 behavioral traits from the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel indicate that courtship and feeding behaviors have significantly greater genetic contributions and that, in general, behavioral traits overlap little in individual base pairs but increasingly interact at the levels of genes and traits. These results provide evidence that different types of behavior are associated with variable genetic bases and suggest that, across animal evolution, the genetic landscape of behavior is more rugged, yet predictable, than previously thought.
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16
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Abstract
The identification of genes affecting sociality can give insights into the maintenance and development of sociality and personality. In this study, we used the combination of an advanced intercross between wild and domestic chickens with a combined QTL and eQTL genetical genomics approach to identify genes for social reinstatement, a social and anxiety-related behavior. A total of 24 social reinstatement QTL were identified and overlaid with over 600 eQTL obtained from the same birds using hypothalamic tissue. Correlations between overlapping QTL and eQTL indicated five strong candidate genes, with the gene TTRAP being strongly significantly correlated with multiple aspects of social reinstatement behavior, as well as possessing a highly significant eQTL.
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17
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Vallée A, Daures J, van Arendonk JAM, Bovenhuis H. Genome-wide association study for behavior, type traits, and muscular development in Charolais beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:2307-16. [PMID: 27285908 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavior, type traits, and muscular development are of interest for beef cattle breeding. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) enable the identification of candidate genes, which enables gene-based selection and provides insight in the genetic architecture of these traits. The objective of the current study was to perform a GWAS for 3 behavior traits, 12 type traits, and muscular development in Charolais cattle. Behavior traits, including aggressiveness at parturition, aggressiveness during gestation period, and maternal care, were scored by farmers. Type traits, including udder conformation, teat, feet and legs, and locomotion, were scored by trained classifiers. Data used in the GWAS consisted of 3,274 cows with phenotypic records and genotyping information for 44,930 SNP. When SNP had a false discovery rate (FDR) smaller than 0.05, they were referred to as significant. When SNP had a FDR between 0.05 and 0.20, they were referred to as suggestive. Four significant and 12 suggestive regions were detected for aggressiveness during gestation, maternal care, udder balance, teat thinness, teat length, foot angle, foot depth, and locomotion. These 4 significant and 12 suggestive regions were not supported by other significant SNP in close proximity. No SNP with major effects were detected for behavior and type traits, and SNP associations for these traits were spread across the genome, suggesting that behavior and type traits were influenced by many genes, each explaining a small part of genetic variance. The GWAS identified 1 region on chromosome 2 significantly associated with muscular development, which included the myostatin gene (), which is known to affect muscularity. No other regions associated with muscular development were found. Results showed that the myostatin region associated with muscular development had pleiotropic effects on udder volume, teat thinness, rear leg, and leg angle.
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18
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Abstract
The genetic architecture of behavioral traits in dogs is of great interest to owners, breeders, and professionals involved in animal welfare, as well as to scientists studying the genetics of animal (including human) behavior. The genetic component of dog behavior is supported by between-breed differences and some evidence of within-breed variation. However, it is a challenge to gather sufficiently large datasets to dissect the genetic basis of complex traits such as behavior, which are both time-consuming and logistically difficult to measure, and known to be influenced by nongenetic factors. In this study, we exploited the knowledge that owners have of their dogs to generate a large dataset of personality traits in Labrador Retrievers. While accounting for key environmental factors, we demonstrate that genetic variance can be detected for dog personality traits assessed using questionnaire data. We identified substantial genetic variance for several traits, including fetching tendency and fear of loud noises, while other traits revealed negligibly small heritabilities. Genetic correlations were also estimated between traits; however, due to fairly large SEs, only a handful of trait pairs yielded statistically significant estimates. Genomic analyses indicated that these traits are mainly polygenic, such that individual genomic regions have small effects, and suggested chromosomal associations for six of the traits. The polygenic nature of these traits is consistent with previous behavioral genetics studies in other species, for example in mouse, and confirms that large datasets are required to quantify the genetic variance and to identify the individual genes that influence behavioral traits.
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19
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Putman AH, Wolen AR, Harenza JL, Yordanova RK, Webb BT, Chesler EJ, Miles MF. Identification of quantitative trait loci and candidate genes for an anxiolytic-like response to ethanol in BXD recombinant inbred strains. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 15:367-81. [PMID: 26948279 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetic differences in acute behavioral responses to ethanol contribute to the susceptibility to alcohol use disorder and the reduction of anxiety is a commonly reported motive underlying ethanol consumption among alcoholics. Therefore, we studied the genetic variance in anxiolytic-like responses to ethanol across the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mouse panel using the light-dark transition model of anxiety. Strain-mean genetic mapping and a mixed-model quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis replicated several previously published QTL for locomotor activity and identified several novel anxiety-related loci. Significant loci included a chromosome 11 saline anxiety-like QTL (Salanq1) and a chromosome 12 locus (Etanq1) influencing the anxiolytic-like response to ethanol. Etanq1 was successfully validated by studies with BXD advanced intercross strains and fine-mapped to a region comprising less than 3.5 Mb. Through integration of genome-wide mRNA expression profiles of the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit (prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and ventral midbrain) across the BXD RI panel, we identified high priority candidate genes within Etanq1, the strongest of which was Ninein (Nin), a Gsk3β-interacting protein that is highly expressed in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Putman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - A R Wolen
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - J L Harenza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - R K Yordanova
- Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - B T Webb
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - M F Miles
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Center for Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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20
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Hu CK, Hoekstra HE. Peromyscus burrowing: A model system for behavioral evolution. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 61:107-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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21
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Abstract
The identification of genetic variants responsible for behavioral variation is an enduring goal in biology, with wide-scale ramifications, ranging from medical research to evolutionary theory on personality syndromes. Here, we use for the first time a large-scale genetical genomics analysis in the brains of chickens to identify genes affecting anxiety as measured by an open field test. We combine quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in 572 individuals and expression QTL (eQTL) analysis in 129 individuals from an advanced intercross between domestic chickens and Red Junglefowl. We identify 10 putative quantitative trait genes affecting anxiety behavior. These genes were tested for an association in the mouse Heterogeneous Stock anxiety (open field) data set and human GWAS data sets for bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Although comparisons between species are complex, associations were observed for four of the candidate genes in mice and three of the candidate genes in humans. Using a multimodel approach we have therefore identified a number of putative quantitative trait genes affecting anxiety behavior, principally in chickens but also with some potentially translational effects as well. This study demonstrates that chickens are an excellent model organism for the genetic dissection of behavior.
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22
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Staiger EA, Albright JD, Brooks SA. Genome‐wide association mapping of heritable temperament variation in the
T
ennessee
W
alking
H
orse. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:514-26. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. A. Staiger
- Department of Animal Science Cornell University Ithaca NY
| | - J. D. Albright
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Tennessee Knoxville TN
| | - S. A. Brooks
- Department of Animal Science University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
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23
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Ponsuksili S, Zebunke M, Murani E, Trakooljul N, Krieter J, Puppe B, Schwerin M, Wimmers K. Integrated Genome-wide association and hypothalamus eQTL studies indicate a link between the circadian rhythm-related gene PER1 and coping behavior. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16264. [PMID: 26537429 PMCID: PMC4633681 DOI: 10.1038/srep16264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal personality and coping styles are basic concepts for evaluating animal welfare. Struggling response of piglets in so-called backtests early in life reflects their coping strategy. Behavioral reactions of piglets in backtests have a moderate heritability, but their genetic basis largely remains unknown. Here, latency, duration and frequency of struggling attempts during one-minute backtests were repeatedly recorded of piglets at days 5, 12, 19, and 26. A genome-wide association study for backtest traits revealed 465 significant SNPs (FDR ≤ 0.05) mostly located in QTL (quantitative trait locus) regions on chromosome 3, 5, 12 and 16. In order to capture genes in these regions, 37 transcripts with significant SNPs were selected for expressionQTL analysis in the hypothalamus. Eight genes (ASGR1, CPAMD8, CTC1, FBXO39, IL19, LOC100511790, RAD51B, UBOX5) had cis- and five (RANGRF, PER1, PDZRN3, SH2D4B, LONP2) had trans-expressionQTL. In particular, for PER1, with known physiological implications for maintenance of circadian rhythms, a role in coping behavior was evidenced by confirmed association in an independent population. For CTC1 a cis-expression QTL and the consistent relationship of gene polymorphism, mRNA expression level and backtest traits promoted its link to coping style. GWAS and eQTL analyses uncovered positional and functional gene candidates for coping behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriluck Ponsuksili
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Manuela Zebunke
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Behavioral Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Eduard Murani
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Nares Trakooljul
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Krieter
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Birger Puppe
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Behavioral Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Manfred Schwerin
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Wimmers
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute for Genome Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
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24
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Wright D. The Genetic Architecture of Domestication in Animals. Bioinform Biol Insights 2015; 9:11-20. [PMID: 26512200 PMCID: PMC4603525 DOI: 10.4137/bbi.s28902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestication has been essential to the progress of human civilization, and the process itself has fascinated biologists for hundreds of years. Domestication has led to a series of remarkable changes in a variety of plants and animals, in what is termed the “domestication phenotype.” In domesticated animals, this general phenotype typically consists of similar changes in tameness, behavior, size/morphology, color, brain composition, and adrenal gland size. This domestication phenotype is seen in a range of different animals. However, the genetic basis of these associated changes is still puzzling. The genes for these different traits tend to be grouped together in clusters in the genome, though it is still not clear whether these clusters represent pleiotropic effects, or are in fact linked clusters. This review focuses on what is currently known about the genetic architecture of domesticated animal species, if genes of large effect (often referred to as major genes) are prevalent in driving the domestication phenotype, and whether pleiotropy can explain the loci underpinning these diverse traits being colocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Wright
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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25
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Abstract
Across species, a similar suite of traits tends to develop in response to domestication, including modifications in behavior. Reduced fear and increased stress tolerance were central in early domestication, and many domestication-related behaviors may have developed as traits correlated to reduced fear. Genetic mechanisms involved in domestication of behavior can be investigated by using top-down or bottom-up approaches, either starting from the behavior variation and searching for underlying genes or finding selected loci and then attempting to identify the associated phenotypes. Combinations of these approaches have proven powerful, and examples of results from such studies are presented and discussed. This includes loci associated with tameness in foxes and dogs, as well as loci correlated with reduced aggression and increased sociality in chickens. Finally, some examples are provided on epigenetic mechanisms in behavior, and it is suggested that selection of favorable epigenetic variants may have been an important mechanism in domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Jensen
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
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26
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Croston R, Branch C, Kozlovsky D, Dukas R, Pravosudov V. Heritability and the evolution of cognitive traits: Table 1. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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27
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Hommers L, Raab A, Bohl A, Weber H, Scholz CJ, Erhardt A, Binder E, Arolt V, Gerlach A, Gloster A, Kalisch R, Kircher T, Lonsdorf T, Ströhle A, Zwanzger P, Mattheisen M, Cichon S, Lesch KP, Domschke K, Reif A, Lohse MJ, Deckert J. MicroRNA hsa-miR-4717-5p regulates RGS2 and may be a risk factor for anxiety-related traits. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2015; 168B:296-306. [PMID: 25847876 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of G-protein Signaling 2 (RGS2) is a key regulator of G-protein-coupled signaling pathways involved in fear and anxiety. Data from rodent models and genetic analysis of anxiety-related traits and disorders in humans suggest down-regulation of RGS2 expression to be a risk factor for anxiety. Here we investigated, whether genetic variation in microRNAs mediating posttranscriptional down-regulation of RGS2 may be a risk factor for anxiety as well. 75 microRNAs predicted to regulate RGS2 were identified by four bioinformatic algorithms and validated experimentally by luciferase reporter gene assays. Specificity was confirmed for six microRNAs (hsa-miR-1271-5p, hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-3591-3p, hsa-miR-377-3p, hsa-miR-4717-5p, hsa-miR-96-5p) by disrupting their seed sequence at the 3' untranslated region of RGS2. Hsa-miR-4717-5p showed the most robust effect on RGS2 and regulated two other candidate genes of anxiety disorders (CNR1 and IKBKE) as well. Two SNPs (rs150925, rs161427) within and 1,000 bp upstream of the hostgene of hsa-miR-4717-5p (MIR4717) show a minor allele frequency greater than 0.05. Both were in high linkage disequilibrium (r(2) = 1, D' = 1) and both major (G) alleles showed a trend for association with panic disorder with comorbid agoraphobia in one of two patient/control samples (combined n(patients) = 497). Dimensional anxiety traits, as described by Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ) were significantly higher among carriers of both major (G) alleles in a combined patient/control sample (n(combined) = 831). Taken together, data indicate that MIR4717 regulates human RGS2 and contributes to the genetic risk towards anxiety-related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Hommers
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Annette Raab
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Bohl
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Weber
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claus-Jürgen Scholz
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Volker Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Alexander Gerlach
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andrew Gloster
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Raffael Kalisch
- Neuroimaging Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tina Lonsdorf
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Zwanzger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Manuel Mattheisen
- Department of Biomedicine and Centre for integrative Sequencing (iSEQ), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sven Cichon
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Human Genetics, Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Center Juelich, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Center of Mental Health, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Lohse
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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28
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Hohoff C, Weber H, Richter J, Domschke K, Zwanzger PM, Ohrmann P, Bauer J, Suslow T, Kugel H, Baumann C, Klauke B, Jacob CP, Fritze J, Bandelow B, Gloster AT, Gerlach AL, Kircher T, Lang T, Alpers GW, Ströhle A, Fehm L, Wittchen HU, Arolt V, Pauli P, Hamm A, Reif A, Deckert J. RGS2 ggenetic variation: association analysis with panic disorder and dimensional as well as intermediate phenotypes of anxiety. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2015; 168B:211-22. [PMID: 25740197 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence from mouse models points to the G protein-coupled receptor RGS2 (regulator of G-protein signaling 2) as a promising candidate gene for anxiety in humans. Recently, RGS2 polymorphisms were found to be associated with various anxiety disorders, e.g., rs4606 with panic disorder (PD), but other findings have been negative or inconsistent concerning the respective risk allele. To further examine the role of RGS2 polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of PD, we genotyped rs4606 and five additional RGS2 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs16834831, rs10801153, rs16829458, rs1342809, rs1890397) in two independent PD samples, comprising 531 matched case/control pairs. The functional SNP rs4606 was nominally associated with PD when both samples were combined. The upstream SNP rs10801153 displayed a Bonferroni-resistant significant association with PD in the second and the combined sample (P = 0.006 and P = 0.017). We furthermore investigated the effect of rs10801153 on dimensional anxiety traits, a behavioral avoidance test (BAT), and an index for emotional processing in the respective subsets of the total sample. In line with categorical results, homozygous risk (G) allele carriers displayed higher scores on the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ; P = 0.015) and showed significantly more defensive behavior during fear provoking situations (P = 0.001). Furthermore, significant effects on brain activation in response to angry (P = 0.013), happy (P = 0.042) and neutral faces (P = 0.032) were detected. Taken together, these findings provide further evidence for the potential role of RGS2 as a candidate gene for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Hohoff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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29
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Friedrich J, Brand B, Schwerin M. Genetics of cattle temperament and its impact on livestock production and breeding – a review. Arch Anim Breed 2015. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-58-13-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. Cattle temperament, which describes individual behaviour differences with regard to a stressor or environmental challenge, is known for its impact on working safety, adaptability to new housing conditions, animal productivity and for evaluation of animal welfare. However, successful use of temperament in animal breeding and husbandry to improve keeping conditions in general or animal welfare in particular, requires the availability of informative and reproducible phenotypes and knowledge about the genetic modulation of these traits. However, the knowledge about genetic influences on cattle temperament is still limited. In this review, an outline is given for the interdependence between production systems and temperament as well as for the phenotyping of cattle temperament based on both behaviour tests and observations of behaviour under production conditions. In addition, the use of temperament as a selection criterion is discussed.
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30
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Greenwood AK, Ardekani R, McCann SR, Dubin ME, Sullivan A, Bensussen S, Tavaré S, Peichel CL. Genetic mapping of natural variation in schooling tendency in the threespine stickleback. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2015; 5:761-9. [PMID: 25717151 PMCID: PMC4426364 DOI: 10.1534/g3.114.016519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although there is a heritable basis for many animal behaviors, the genetic architecture of behavioral variation in natural populations remains mostly unknown, particularly in vertebrates. We sought to identify the genetic basis for social affiliation in two populations of threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) that differ in their propensity to school. Marine sticklebacks from Japan school strongly whereas benthic sticklebacks from a lake in Canada are more solitary. Here, we expanded on our previous efforts to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for differences in schooling tendency. We tested fish multiple times in two assays that test different aspects of schooling tendency: 1) the model school assay, which presents fish with a school of eight model sticklebacks; and 2) the choice assay, in which fish are given a choice between the model school and a stationary artificial plant. We found low-to-moderate levels of repeatability, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5, in schooling phenotypes. To identify the genomic regions that contribute to differences in schooling tendency, we used QTL mapping in two types of crosses: benthic × marine backcrosses and an F2 intercross. We found two QTL for time spent with the school in the model school assay, and one QTL for number of approaches to the school in the choice assay. These QTL were on three different linkage groups, not previously linked to behavioral differences in sticklebacks. Our results highlight the importance of using multiple crosses and robust behavioral assays to uncover the genetic basis of behavioral variation in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Greenwood
- Divisions of Basic Sciences and Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Reza Ardekani
- Program in Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Shaugnessy R McCann
- Divisions of Basic Sciences and Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Matthew E Dubin
- Divisions of Basic Sciences and Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Amy Sullivan
- Divisions of Basic Sciences and Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Seth Bensussen
- Divisions of Basic Sciences and Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Simon Tavaré
- Program in Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Catherine L Peichel
- Divisions of Basic Sciences and Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
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31
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Tsuboko S, Kimura T, Shinya M, Suehiro Y, Okuyama T, Shimada A, Takeda H, Naruse K, Kubo T, Takeuchi H. Genetic control of startle behavior in medaka fish. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112527. [PMID: 25393539 PMCID: PMC4231031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms are thought to generate intraspecific behavioral diversities, both within and among populations. The mechanisms underlying genetic control of behavioral properties, however, remain unclear in wild-type vertebrates, including humans. To explore this issue, we used diverse inbred strains of medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) established from the same and different local populations. Medaka exhibit a startle response to a visual stimulus (extinction of illumination) by rapidly bending their bodies (C-start) 20-ms after the stimulus presentation. We measured the rates of the response to repeated stimuli (1-s interval, 40 times) among four inbred strains, HNI-I, HNI-II, HO5, and Hd-rR-II1, and quantified two properties of the startle response: sensitivity (response rate to the first stimulus) and attenuation of the response probability with repeated stimulus presentation. Among the four strains, the greatest differences in these properties were detected between HNI-II and Hd-rR-II1. HNI-II exhibited high sensitivity (approximately 80%) and no attenuation, while Hd-rR-II1 exhibited low sensitivity (approximately 50%) and almost complete attenuation after only five stimulus presentations. Our findings suggested behavioral diversity of the startle response within a local population as well as among different populations. Linkage analysis with F2 progeny between HNI-II and Hd-rR-II1 detected quantitative trait loci (QTL) highly related to attenuation, but not to sensitivity, with a maximum logarithm of odds score of 11.82 on linkage group 16. The three genotypes (homozygous for HNI-II and Hd-rR-II1 alleles, and heterozygous) at the marker nearest the QTL correlated with attenuation. Our findings are the first to suggest that a single genomic region might be sufficient to generate individual differences in startle behavior between wild-type strains. Further identification of genetic polymorphisms that define the behavioral trait will contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral diversity, allowing us to investigate the adaptive significance of intraspecific behavioral polymorphisms of the startle response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Tsuboko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kimura
- Laboratory of Bioresources, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- National Institute for Basic Biology Center of the Interuniversity Bio-Backup Project, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Minori Shinya
- Model Fish Genomics Resource, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Biology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuji Suehiro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruhiro Okuyama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Bioresources, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Atsuko Shimada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Naruse
- Laboratory of Bioresources, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- National Institute for Basic Biology Center of the Interuniversity Bio-Backup Project, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takeo Kubo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Takeuchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Hazard D, Moreno C, Foulquié D, Delval E, François D, Bouix J, Sallé G, Boissy A. Identification of QTLs for behavioral reactivity to social separation and humans in sheep using the OvineSNP50 BeadChip. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:778. [PMID: 25204347 PMCID: PMC4171556 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current trends in sheep farming practices rely on animals with a greater level of behavioral autonomy than before, a phenotype that actively contributes to the sustainability of animal production. Social reactivity and reactivity to humans are relevant behavioral traits in sheep, known for their strong gregariousness and weak tolerance to handling, which have previously been reported with moderate to high heritabilities. To identify loci underlying such behaviors, we performed a genome study in Romane lambs. Results The experiment was carried out on 934 male and female lambs allocated into 9 half-sib families (average of 103 lambs per family) and reared outside. After weaning, all the lambs were individually exposed to 4 standardized behavioral tests combining social isolation, exposure to humans or handling, confinement and novelty (i.e. arena test, corridor test, isolation box test, shearing test). A broad range of behaviors including vocalizations, locomotion, vigilance and flight distance, as well as the cortisol response to handling, were collected. All lambs were genotyped using the Illumina OvineSNP50 BeadChip. QTL detection was performed by linkage, association and joint linkage and association analyses using the QTLmap software. Five main QTL regions were identified on sheep chromosomes (Ovis Aries Region, OAR) 12, 16, 19, 21 and 23 among many other QTLs with small to moderate effects. The QTLs on OAR12, 16 and 21 showed significant associations with social reactivity. The QTLs on OAR19 and 23 were found to be associated with reactivity to humans. No overlapping QTLs were identified for the different traits measured in the behavioral tests, supporting the hypothesis that different genetic factors influence social reactivity and tolerance to humans. Conclusion The results of this study using ovine SNP data suggest that in domestic sheep the behavioral responses to social separation and exposure to humans are under polygenic influence. The most relevant QTLs reported in the present study contain interesting candidate genes previously described to be associated with various emotional and social behaviors in mammals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-778) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Hazard
- INRA, UMR1388 Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.
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Abstract
Interindividual differences in many behaviors are partly due to genetic differences, but the identification of the genes and variants that influence behavior remains challenging. Here, we studied an F2 intercross of two outbred lines of rats selected for tame and aggressive behavior toward humans for >64 generations. By using a mapping approach that is able to identify genetic loci segregating within the lines, we identified four times more loci influencing tameness and aggression than by an approach that assumes fixation of causative alleles, suggesting that many causative loci were not driven to fixation by the selection. We used RNA sequencing in 150 F2 animals to identify hundreds of loci that influence brain gene expression. Several of these loci colocalize with tameness loci and may reflect the same genetic variants. Through analyses of correlations between allele effects on behavior and gene expression, differential expression between the tame and aggressive rat selection lines, and correlations between gene expression and tameness in F2 animals, we identify the genes Gltscr2, Lgi4, Zfp40, and Slc17a7 as candidate contributors to the strikingly different behavior of the tame and aggressive animals.
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Abstract
Researchers studying the adaptive significance of behaviour typically assume that genetic mechanisms will not inhibit evolutionary trajectories, an assumption commonly known as the 'phenotypic gambit'. Although the phenotypic gambit continues to be a useful heuristic for behavioural ecology, here we discuss how genomic methods provide new tools and conceptual approaches that are relevant to behavioural ecology. We first describe how the concept of a genetic toolkit for behaviour can allow behavioural ecologists to synthesize both genomic and ecological information when assessing behavioural adaptation. Then we show how gene expression profiles can be viewed as complex phenotypic measurements, used to (1) predict behaviour, (2) evaluate phenotypic plasticity and (3) devise methods to manipulate behaviour in order to test adaptive hypotheses. We propose that advances in genomics and bioinformatics may allow researchers to overcome some of the logistical obstacles that motivated the inception of the phenotypic gambit. Behavioural ecology and genomics are mutually informative, providing potential synergy that could lead to powerful advances in the field of animal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare C Rittschof
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, U.S.A
| | - Gene E Robinson
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, U.S.A
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Medeiros GFD, Corrêa FJ, Corvino ME, Izídio GDS, Ramos A. The Long Way from Complex Phenotypes to Genes: The Story of Rat Chromosome 4 and Its Behavioral Effects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/wjns.2014.43024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kostrzewa E, Kas MJ. The use of mouse models to unravel genetic architecture of physical activity: a review. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 13:87-103. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Kostrzewa
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - M. J. Kas
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
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Genetic and neural modularity underlie the evolution of schooling behavior in threespine sticklebacks. Curr Biol 2013; 23:1884-8. [PMID: 24035541 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Although descriptions of striking diversity in animal behavior are plentiful, little is known about the mechanisms by which behaviors change and evolve between groups. To fully understand behavioral evolution, it will be necessary to identify the genetic mechanisms that mediate behavioral change in a natural context. Genetic analysis of behavior can also reveal associations between behavior and morphological or neural phenotypes, providing insight into the proximate mechanisms that control behavior. Relatively few studies to date have successfully identified genes or genomic regions that contribute to behavioral variation among natural populations or species, particularly in vertebrates. Here, we apply genetic approaches to dissect a complex social behavior that has long fascinated biologists, schooling behavior. We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of schooling in an F2 intercross between strongly schooling marine and weakly schooling benthic sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and found that distinct genetic modules control different aspects of schooling behavior. Two key components of the behavior, tendency to school and body position when schooling, are uncorrelated in hybrids and map to different genomic regions. Our results further point to a genetic link between one behavioral component, schooling position, and variation in the neurosensory lateral line.
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Kültz D, Clayton DF, Robinson GE, Albertson C, Carey HV, Cummings ME, Dewar K, Edwards SV, Hofmann HA, Gross LJ, Kingsolver JG, Meaney MJ, Schlinger BA, Shingleton AW, Sokolowski MB, Somero GN, Stanzione DC, Todgham AE. New Frontiers for Organismal Biology. Bioscience 2013. [DOI: 10.1525/bio.2013.63.6.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Chesler EJ, Logan RW. Opportunities for bioinformatics in the classification of behavior and psychiatric disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013. [PMID: 23195316 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-398323-7.00008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A bioinformatics approach to behavioral neuroscience provides both unique opportunities and challenges for research on behavior. A major challenge has been to describe, define, and discriminate among abstract behavioral processes, in large part by distinguishing among the biological mechanisms of unique but not entirely discrete, entities of behavior. Understanding the complexity of neurobiology and behavior requires integration of data across diverse biological systems, types of data, and levels of scale. With the perspective and application of bioinformatics, we can uncover the relationships among these systems and take steps forward in realizing the common and distinct bases of psychiatric disease.
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40
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Hoffman KL. Role of murine models in psychiatric illness drug discovery: a dimensional view. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:865-77. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.797959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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41
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Logan RW, Robledo RF, Recla JM, Philip VM, Bubier JA, Jay JJ, Harwood C, Wilcox T, Gatti DM, Bult CJ, Churchill GA, Chesler EJ. High-precision genetic mapping of behavioral traits in the diversity outbred mouse population. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 12:424-37. [PMID: 23433259 PMCID: PMC3709837 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Historically our ability to identify genetic variants underlying complex behavioral traits in mice has been limited by low mapping resolution of conventional mouse crosses. The newly developed Diversity Outbred (DO) population promises to deliver improved resolution that will circumvent costly fine-mapping studies. The DO is derived from the same founder strains as the Collaborative Cross (CC), including three wild-derived strains. Thus the DO provides more allelic diversity and greater potential for discovery compared to crosses involving standard mouse strains. We have characterized 283 male and female DO mice using open-field, light–dark box, tail-suspension and visual-cliff avoidance tests to generate 38 behavioral measures. We identified several quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits with support intervals ranging from 1 to 3 Mb in size. These intervals contain relatively few genes (ranging from 5 to 96). For a majority of QTL, using the founder allelic effects together with whole genome sequence data, we could further narrow the positional candidates. Several QTL replicate previously published loci. Novel loci were also identified for anxiety- and activity-related traits. Half of the QTLs are associated with wild-derived alleles, confirming the value to behavioral genetics of added genetic diversity in the DO. In the presence of wild-alleles we sometimes observe behaviors that are qualitatively different from the expected response. Our results demonstrate that high-precision mapping of behavioral traits can be achieved with moderate numbers of DO animals, representing a significant advance in our ability to leverage the mouse as a tool for behavioral genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Logan
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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42
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O'Leary TP, Gunn RK, Brown RE. What are we measuring when we test strain differences in anxiety in mice? Behav Genet 2013; 43:34-50. [PMID: 23288504 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-012-9572-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We examined measures of locomotor and anxiety-like behavior in male and female mice of 15 inbred strains on the elevated-plus maze, light/dark transition box and open field. Strain differences were found on all measures of locomotor activity and anxiety. Strain means for measures of locomotor activity on the three apparatus were significantly correlated, but strain means for commonly used measures of anxiety were not correlated. Principal component analysis revealed a common locomotor activity factor, which accounted for 28.6 % of the variance, but no common anxiety factor. Species-typical behaviors (defecations, stretch-attend postures, grooming) accounted for smaller proportions (<11 %) of the variance. These results plus comparisons with previously published data suggest that the elevated-plus maze, light/dark box and open field measure different facets of anxiety, and that the reliability of genetic differences on anxiety is highly dependent on apparatus, procedural variables and laboratory factors. Locomotor activity, however, is a stable trait that differs across strains and is reliably measured in different apparatus and laboratories. We conclude that anxiety traits of inbred mouse strains are best reflected by species-typical behaviors in each apparatus. These results suggest that new ways of measuring trait anxiety are required in order to determine the neural and genetic correlates of anxiety-like behaviour in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P O'Leary
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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43
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Bendesky A, Pitts J, Rockman MV, Chen WC, Tan MW, Kruglyak L, Bargmann CI. Long-range regulatory polymorphisms affecting a GABA receptor constitute a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for social behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1003157. [PMID: 23284308 PMCID: PMC3527333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation is a social behavior that varies between and within species, providing a model to study the genetic basis of behavioral diversity. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, aggregation is regulated by environmental context and by two neuromodulatory pathways, one dependent on the neuropeptide receptor NPR-1 and one dependent on the TGF-β family protein DAF-7. To gain further insight into the genetic regulation of aggregation, we characterize natural variation underlying behavioral differences between two wild-type C. elegans strains, N2 and CB4856. Using quantitative genetic techniques, including a survey of chromosome substitution strains and QTL analysis of recombinant inbred lines, we identify three new QTLs affecting aggregation in addition to the two known N2 mutations in npr-1 and glb-5. Fine-mapping with near-isogenic lines localized one QTL, accounting for 5%–8% of the behavioral variance between N2 and CB4856, 3′ to the transcript of the GABA neurotransmitter receptor gene exp-1. Quantitative complementation tests demonstrated that this QTL affects exp-1, identifying exp-1 and GABA signaling as new regulators of aggregation. exp-1 interacts genetically with the daf-7 TGF-β pathway, which integrates food availability and population density, and exp-1 mutations affect the level of daf-7 expression. Our results add to growing evidence that genetic variation affecting neurotransmitter receptor genes is a source of natural behavioral variation. In both animals and humans, normal individuals can behave differently in the same environment. Natural variation in behavior is partly due to genetic differences between individuals and partly due to experience. Mapping studies have demonstrated that the genetic component of natural behavioral variation is complex, with many genes that each contribute a small amount to the observed behavior. This complexity has made it difficult to identify the causative genes for individual differences. Here we use the nematode worm C. elegans to dissect a social behavioral trait, the propensity to aggregate with other animals in the presence of food. We find that the behavioral differences between two wild-type worm strains result from at least five genetic differences between the strains, two of which were previously known. One of the three new loci affects a receptor for the neurotransmitter GABA, which regulates excitability in the brain. In the context of previous work, we suggest that a significant number of genes that generate behavioral variation encode neurotransmitter receptors. This analysis in a model animal may help guide discoveries of the genetic variants that affect common human behavioral traits by suggesting classes of genes to examine closely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Bendesky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lulu and Anthony Wang Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jason Pitts
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lulu and Anthony Wang Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew V. Rockman
- Department of Biology and Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - William C. Chen
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Man-Wah Tan
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Leonid Kruglyak
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Carl Icahn Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Cornelia I. Bargmann
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lulu and Anthony Wang Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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44
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Varieties of behavioral natural variation. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2012; 23:24-8. [PMID: 22889698 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2012.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Behavior is flexible at different timescales, modifiable by experience in the short term and by evolution in the long term. In order to understand how behavior evolves, we must both understand how trait differences between individuals are inherited and how a subset of these differences get fixed within a species' lineage. Work over the past few decades has shown that this will not be easy; the genetic basis of heritable behavioral differences between two individuals is typically complex, caused by multiple genetic variants of small effect. Here I describe how the underlying genetic networks impact the types of genetic variants that can be selected for by evolution.
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45
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Kember RL, Dempster EL, Lee THA, Schalkwyk LC, Mill J, Fernandes C. Maternal separation is associated with strain-specific responses to stress and epigenetic alterations to Nr3c1, Avp, and Nr4a1 in mouse. Brain Behav 2012; 2:455-67. [PMID: 22950049 PMCID: PMC3432968 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful events early in life have been widely linked to behavioral phenotypes and have been implicated in the development of psychiatric disorders. Using a maternal separation paradigm, we investigated phenotypic and epigenetic changes following early life stress in two inbred strains of mice, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J. We found an increase in the corticosterone response to stress in male, C57BL/6J mice that had undergone maternal separation compared to controls. In addition, early life stress induced a number of mild but significant behavioral changes, many of which were sex and strain dependent. Following maternal separation anxiety was decreased in males but increased in DBA/2J females, DBA/2J males displayed reduced exploration of a novel object, and baseline activity was altered in males of both strains. Finally, we examined DNA methylation levels in the hippocampus across promoter regions of Nr3c1, Avp, and Nr4a1, and found altered levels at several CpG sites in maternally separated male mice compared to controls. This study contributes to a growing body of recent literature suggesting that epigenetic changes may mediate the impact of early life stress on behavior. In particular, we establish that the phenotypic and epigenetic responses to an adverse environment differ as a function of genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. L. Kember
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - E. L. Dempster
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - T. H. A. Lee
- Department of Neuroscience; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - L. C. Schalkwyk
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - J. Mill
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - C. Fernandes
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
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Bowles KR, Brooks SP, Dunnett SB, Jones L. Gene expression and behaviour in mouse models of HD. Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:276-84. [PMID: 21854837 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease, resulting in expansion of the CAG repeat in exon 1 of the HTT gene. The resulting mutant huntingtin protein has been implicated in the disruption of a variety of cellular functions, including transcription. Mouse models of HD have been central to the development of our understanding of gene expression changes in this disease, and are now beginning to elucidate the relationship between gene expression and behaviour. Here, we review current mouse models of HD and their characterisation in terms of gene expression. In addition, we look at how this can inform behaviours observed in mouse models of disease. The relationship between gene expression and behaviour in mouse models of HD is important, as this will further our knowledge of disease progression and its underlying molecular events, highlight new treatment targets, and potentially provide new biomarkers for therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Bowles
- Department of Psychological Medicine, MRC centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
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RGS2 mediates the anxiolytic effect of oxytocin. Brain Res 2012; 1453:26-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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48
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Edwards AC, Aliev F, Bierut LJ, Bucholz KK, Edenberg H, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Kuperman S, Nurnberger JI, Schuckit MA, Porjesz B, Dick DM. Genome-wide association study of comorbid depressive syndrome and alcohol dependence. Psychiatr Genet 2012; 22:31-41. [PMID: 22064162 PMCID: PMC3241912 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0b013e32834acd07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression and alcohol dependence (AD) are common psychiatric disorders that often co-occur. Both disorders are genetically influenced, with heritability estimates in the range of 35-60%. In addition, evidence from twin studies suggests that AD and depression are genetically correlated. Herein, we report results from a genome-wide association study of a comorbid phenotype, in which cases meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV symptom threshold for major depressive symptomatology and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria for AD. METHODS Samples (N=467 cases and N=407 controls) were of European-American descent and were genotyped using the Illumina Human 1M BeadChip array. RESULTS Although no single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) meets genome-wide significance criteria, we identified 10 markers with P values less than 1 × 10(-5), seven of which are located in known genes, which have not been previously implicated in either disorder. Genes harboring SNPs yielding P values less than 1 × 10(-5) are functionally enriched for a number of gene ontology categories, notably several related to glutamatergic function. Investigation of expression localization using online resources suggests that these genes are expressed across a variety of tissues, including behaviorally relevant brain regions. Genes that have been previously associated with depression, AD, or other addiction-related phenotypes - such as CDH13, CSMD2, GRID1, and HTR1B - were implicated by nominally significant SNPs. Finally, the degree of overlap of significant SNPs between a comorbid phenotype and an AD-only phenotype is modest. CONCLUSION These results underscore the complex genomic influences on psychiatric phenotypes and suggest that a comorbid phenotype is partially influenced by genetic variants that do not affect AD alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis C Edwards
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0126, USA.
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Pawlak CR, Karrenbauer BD, Schneider P, Ho YJ. The Elevated Plus-Maze Test: Differential Psychopharmacology of Anxiety-Related Behavior. EMOTION REVIEW 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/1754073911421374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The role of individual factors in behavioral neuroscience is an important, but still neglected, area of research. For example, the Elevated Plus-Maze Test has been one of the most used paradigms to gauge unconditioned aversively motivated behavior in rodents. However, despite a great number of experiments with this test there have been only few efforts to assess systematic individual variations in the elevated plus-maze and related neurobiological functions. The present review aims to give, first, a general overview and introduction about the test, and second, an animal model of anxiety based on natural variance of plus-maze behavior within a given unselected population of rats. Finally, critical aspects of such approaches in animal research are discussed, and suggestions are given as to where to go from here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius R. Pawlak
- Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
- Chair of Biological and Clinical Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Britta D. Karrenbauer
- Department of Experimental and Physiological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany
| | - Peggy Schneider
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Germany
| | - Ying-Jui Ho
- School of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, ROC
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Tarantino LM, Eisener-Dorman AF. Forward genetic approaches to understanding complex behaviors. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2012; 12:25-58. [PMID: 22297575 PMCID: PMC6989028 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2011_189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Assigning function to genes has long been a focus of biomedical research.Even with complete knowledge of the genomic sequences of humans, mice and other experimental organisms, there is still much to be learned about gene function and control. Ablation or overexpression of single genes using knockout or transgenic technologies has provided functional annotation for many genes, but these technologies do not capture the extensive genetic variation present in existing experimental mouse populations. Researchers have only recently begun to truly appreciate naturally occurring genetic variation resulting from single nucleotide substitutions,insertions, deletions, copy number variation, epigenetic changes (DNA methylation,histone modifications, etc.) and gene expression differences and how this variation contributes to complex phenotypes. In this chapter, we will discuss the benefits and limitations of different forward genetic approaches that capture the genetic variation present in inbred mouse strains and present the utility of these approaches for mapping QTL that influence complex behavioral phenotypes.
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