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Mehrhoff EA, Booher WC, Hutchinson J, Schumacher G, Borski C, Lowry CA, Hoeffer CA, Ehringer MA. Diazepam effects on anxiety-related defensive behavior of male and female high and low open-field activity inbred mouse strains. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114343. [PMID: 37689380 PMCID: PMC11131367 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114343] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Open-field activity is a commonly used measure of anxiety-related behavior in rodents. The inbred High and Low Activity strains of mice, selected for extreme differences in open-field activity, have been used as a genetic model of anxiety-related behaviors. These selected strains have been thoroughly studied through extensive behavioral testing, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, whole-genome sequencing, and RNA sequencing, to uncover phenotypic and genotypic differences related to anxiety-related behavior. However, the effects of anxiolytic drugs on anxiety-related behavior in these strains have not been studied previously. This study allowed us to expand on previous findings to further characterize the anxiety-related behavior of these unique strains, using an anxiolytic drug. The goal of this study was to determine whether the treatment of adult male and female High Activity (low anxiety) and Low Activity (high anxiety) mice with diazepam, an agonist at the benzodiazepine allosteric site on the GABAA receptor and a drug commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders in humans, led to decreases in anxiety-like defensive behavioral responses as assessed in the open-field test (OFT) and elevated plus-maze (EPM). We tested the effects of three doses of diazepam (0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg, i.p.), given 30 min before behavioral testing to one High Activity strain (H2) and two Low Activity strains (L1 and L2). There was an anxiolytic effect of diazepam observed in the High Activity strain, with more entries into the open arms of the elevated plus-maze, an effect similar to that seen in common mouse strains. However, the only anxiolytic effect of diazepam seen in the Low Activity strains was a reduction in stretch attend posture (SAP). Low Activity strains also displayed freezing behavior in both the OFT and EPM. The combination of the observed freezing behavior, that was not reduced by diazepam, and the reduction in SAP seen with diazepam, suggests a more complex phenotype that includes a component of innate fear in addition to anxiety-related risk assessment behaviors. Since fear and anxiety are distinguishable traits, and both contribute to human anxiety disorders, these results provide novel insight about interpretation of previous genetic and phenotypic differences observed between the High and Low Activity strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika A Mehrhoff
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States; Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Winona C Booher
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States; Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Julianna Hutchinson
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Grace Schumacher
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Curtis Borski
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States; Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States; Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Marissa A Ehringer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States; Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States.
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Van Dam D, Valkenburg F, Van Kolen K, Pintelon I, Timmermans JP, De Deyn PP. Behavioral and Neuropathological Phenotyping of the Tau58/2 and Tau58/4 Transgenic Mouse Models for FTDP-17. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2088. [PMID: 37895469 PMCID: PMC10608666 DOI: 10.3390/life13102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Tau58/2 and Tau58/4 mouse lines expressing 0N4R tau with a P301S mutation mimic aspects of frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17). In a side-by-side comparison, we report the age-dependent development of cognitive, motor, and behavioral deficits in comparison with the spatial-temporal evolution of cellular tau pathology in both models. METHODS We applied the SHIRPA primary screen and specific neuromotor, behavioral, and cognitive paradigms. The spatiotemporal development of tau pathology was investigated immunohistochemically. Levels of sarkosyl-insoluble paired helical filaments were determined via a MesoScale Discovery biomarker assay. RESULTS Neuromotor impairments developed from age 3 months in both models. On electron microscopy, spinal cord neurofibrillary pathology was visible in mice aged 3 months; however, AT8 immunoreactivity was not yet observed in Tau58/4 mice. Behavioral abnormalities and memory deficits occurred at a later stage (>9 months) when tau pathology was fully disseminated throughout the brain. Spatiotemporally, tau pathology spread from the spinal cord via the midbrain to the frontal cortex, while the hippocampus was relatively spared, thus explaining the late onset of cognitive deficits. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate the face and construct validity of both Tau58 models, which may provide new, valuable insights into the pathologic effects of tau species in vivo and may consequently facilitate the development of new therapeutic targets to delay or halt neurodegenerative processes occurring in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Van Dam
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Experimental Neurobiology Unit, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Valkenburg
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Experimental Neurobiology Unit, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Kristof Van Kolen
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, 2340 Beerse, Belgium;
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (I.P.); (J.-P.T.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (I.P.); (J.-P.T.)
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Experimental Neurobiology Unit, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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3
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Blizard DA, Adams N, Boomsma DI. The genetics of neuroticism: Insights from the Maudsley rat model and human studies. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 6:e6. [PMID: 38107782 PMCID: PMC10725781 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2023.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
We examine some of the genetic features of neuroticism (N) taking as an animal model the Maudsley Reactive (MR) and Maudsley Nonreactive (MNR) rat strains which were selectively bred, respectively, for high and low open-field defecation (OFD) starting in the late 1950s. To draw analogies with human genetic studies, we explore the genetic correlation of N with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We review progress with the rat model and developments in the field of human complex trait genetics, including genetic association studies that relate to current understanding of the genetics of N. The widespread differences in the tone of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system that have been found between the Maudsley strains, particularly those observed in the colon, may underly the differences in OFD (MNR, higher sympathetic tone and zero defecation). In humans, a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) reported six genes contributing to IBS, four of which were implicated in mood and anxiety disorders or were expressed in the brain, with three of the four also expressed in the nerve fibers and ganglia of the gut. Heritability of N is estimated at around 50% in twin and family studies, and GWASs identified hundreds of loci, enabling estimation of genome-wide correlations (rg) with other traits. Significantly, the estimate for rg between risk of IBS, anxiety, N, and depression was >0.5 and suggested genetic pleiotropy without evidence for causal mechanisms. Findings on the adrenergic pharmacology of the colon, coupled with new understanding of the role of the locus ceruleus in modifying afferent information from this organ, generate hypotheses that challenge traditional cause/effect notions about the relationship of the central nervous system to peripheral events in response to stress, suggest specific targets for gene action in the Maudsley model and emphasize the value of reciprocal evaluation of genetic architecture underlying N in rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Blizard
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Nelson Adams
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Winston Salem State University, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dorret I. Boomsma
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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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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5
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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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6
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Booher WC, Hall LA, Thomas AL, Merhroff EA, Reyes Martínez GJ, Scanlon KE, Lowry CA, Ehringer MA. Anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses in mice selectively bred for High and Low Activity. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12730. [PMID: 33786989 PMCID: PMC10846611 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
High and Low Activity strains of mice (displaying low and high anxiety-like behavior, respectively) with 7.8-20 fold differences in open-field activity were selected and subsequently inbred to use as a genetic model for studying anxiety-like behavior in mice (DeFries et al., 1978, Behavior Genetics, 8:3-13). These strains exhibited differences in other anxiety-related behaviors as assessed using the light-dark box, elevated plus-maze, mirror chamber, and elevated square-maze tests (Henderson et al., 2004, Behavior Genetics, 34: 267-293). The purpose of these experiments was three-fold. First, we repeated a 6-day behavioral battery using updated equipment and software to confirm the extreme differences in anxiety-like behaviors. Second, we tested novel object exploration, a measure of anxiety-like behavior that does not rely heavily on locomotion. Third, we conducted a home cage wheel running experiment to determine whether these strains differ in locomotor activity in a familiar, home cage environment. Our behavioral test battery confirmed extreme differences in multiple measures of anxiety-like behaviors. Furthermore, the novel object test demonstrated that the High Activity mice exhibited decreased anxiety-like behaviors (increased nose pokes) compared to Low Activity mice. Finally, male Low Activity mice ran nearly twice as far each day on running wheels compared to High Activity mice, while female High and Low Activity mice did not differ in wheel running. These results support the idea that the behavioral differences between High and Low Activity mice are likely to be due to anxiety-related factors and not simply generalized differences in locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winona C. Booher
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of
Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado,
Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Lucy A. Hall
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of
Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Aimee L. Thomas
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of
Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Erika A. Merhroff
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of
Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Center for
Neuroscience, and Center for Microbial Exploration, University of Colorado Boulder,
Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Physical
Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus,
Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and
Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center
(RMRVAMC), Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research
and Education (MVM-CoRE), Denver, CO 80220, USA
- Senior Fellow, inVIVO Planetary Health, of the Worldwide
Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 07093, USA
| | - Marissa A. Ehringer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of
Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado,
Boulder, CO, USA
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7
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Kreilaus F, Masanetz R, Watt G, Przybyla M, Ittner A, Ittner L, Karl T. The behavioural phenotype of 14-month-old female TAU58/2 transgenic mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 397:112943. [PMID: 33017638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit intracellular inclusions [neurofibrillary tangles (NFT's)] of microtubule-associated protein tau that contributes to neuronal dysfunction and death. Mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene leads to tau hyperphosphorylation and promotes NFT formation. The TAU58/2 transgenic mouse model expresses mutant human tau (P301S mutation) and exhibits behavioural abnormalities relevant to dementia in early adulthood. Here we comprehensively determined the behavioural phenotype of TAU58/2 transgenic female mice at 14 months of age using test paradigms relevant to FTD and AD. TAU58/2 females showed a significant motor deficit and lower bodyweight compared to WT littermates. Transgenic females failed to habituate to the test arena in the light-dark test. Interestingly, transgenics did not exhibit an anxiolytic-like phenotype and intermediate-term spatial learning in the cheeseboard test was intact. However, a significant learning deficit was detected in the 1st trial across test days indicating impaired long-term spatial memory. In addition, the preference for a previously rewarded location was absent in transgenic females during probe trial testing. Finally, TAU58/2 mice had a defective acoustic startle response and impaired sensorimotor gating. In conclusion TAU58/2 mice exhibit several behavioural deficits that resemble those observed in human FTD and AD. Additionally, we observed a novel startle response deficit in these mice. At 14 months of age, TAU58/2 females represent a later disease stage and are therefore a potentially useful model to test efficacy of therapeutics to reverse or ameliorate behavioural deficits in post-onset tauopapthy-related neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kreilaus
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Rebecca Masanetz
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, Hochschule Furtwangen University, 78054 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Georgia Watt
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Lars Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), NSW 2031, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia.
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8
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Thomas AL, Evans LM, Nelsen MD, Chesler EJ, Powers MS, Booher WC, Lowry CA, DeFries JC, Ehringer MA. Whole-Genome Sequencing of Inbred Mouse Strains Selected for High and Low Open-Field Activity. Behav Genet 2020; 51:68-81. [PMID: 32939625 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-020-10014-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
We conducted whole-genome sequencing of four inbred mouse strains initially selected for high (H1, H2) or low (L1, L2) open-field activity (OFA), and then examined strain distribution patterns for all DNA variants that differed between their BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J parental strains. Next, we assessed genome-wide sharing (3,678,826 variants) both between and within the High and Low Activity strains. Results suggested that about 10% of these DNA variants may be associated with OFA, and clearly demonstrated its polygenic nature. Finally, we conducted bioinformatic analyses of functional genomics data from mouse, rat, and human to refine previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for anxiety-related measures. This combination of sequence analysis and genomic-data integration facilitated refinement of previously intractable QTL findings, and identified possible genes for functional follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee L Thomas
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 447 UCB, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Luke M Evans
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 447 UCB, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Michaela D Nelsen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Matthew S Powers
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 447 UCB, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Winona C Booher
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 447 UCB, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Center for Microbial Exploration, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John C DeFries
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 447 UCB, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Marissa A Ehringer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA. .,Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA. .,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 447 UCB, Boulder, CO, USA.
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9
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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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10
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Anselmi M, Correa FJ, Santos JR, Silva AF, Cunha JA, Leão AHF, Campêlo CLC, Ribeiro AM, Silva RH, Izídio GS. Genetic evidence for chromosome 4 loci influencing learning and memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2016; 131:182-91. [PMID: 27044679 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The Lewis (LEW) and SHR (Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats) inbred rat strains differ in several anxiety/emotionality and learning/memory-related behaviors. We aimed to search quantitative trait locus (QTL) that influence these behaviors and confirm their effects in a congenic rat strain SLA16 (SHR.LEW.Anxrr16). LEW females and SHR males were intercrossed to produce F2 rats (96/sex), which were all tested in the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task (PMDAT), open-field (OF), object recognition (OR), spontaneous alternation (SA) and fear conditioning (FC). All animals were genotyped for microsatellite markers located on chromosome (Chr) 4. Behavioral and genotypic data were used to perform factor and QTL analyses. Also, to confirm the QTL effects, we tested male and female SLA16 rats and their isogenic control SHR in the same behavioral tests. A factor analysis of the F2 population revealed a correlation between anxiety/emotionality related behaviors and learning/memory in both sexes. QTL analysis revealed two significant QTL in males and three in females, on behavioral parameters in the PMDAT, OF and FC. Four QTL found herein were confirmed in SLA16 rats. The SLA16 strain displayed lower levels of anxiety/emotionality, higher locomotor activity and deficits in learning/memory in comparison with SHR strain. The Chr 4 contains genes influencing anxiety/emotionality and learning/memory behaviors and the SLA16 strain represents a valuable tool in the search for them. The use of the SLA16 strain as a genetic model for studying behavioral phenomena and their implications for psychiatric disorders are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Anselmi
- Laboratório de Genética do Comportamento, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Embriologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Junkes Correa
- Laboratório de Genética do Comportamento, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Embriologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - José Ronaldo Santos
- Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurociências, Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Itabaiana, SE, Brazil
| | - Anatildes Feitosa Silva
- Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - João Antônio Cunha
- Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Anderson Henrique Figueiredo Leão
- Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Loureiro Chagas Campêlo
- Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Mussi Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurociências e Bioprospecção de Produtos Naturais, Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Regina Helena Silva
- Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurociência Comportamental, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Laboratório de Genética do Comportamento, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Embriologia e Genética, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Laboratório de Estudo da Memória em Roedores, Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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11
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Iwase S, Brookes E, Agarwal S, Badeaux AI, Ito H, Vallianatos CN, Tomassy GS, Kasza T, Lin G, Thompson A, Gu L, Kwan KY, Chen C, Sartor MA, Egan B, Xu J, Shi Y. A Mouse Model of X-linked Intellectual Disability Associated with Impaired Removal of Histone Methylation. Cell Rep 2016; 14:1000-1009. [PMID: 26804915 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.12.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in a number of chromatin modifiers are associated with human neurological disorders. KDM5C, a histone H3 lysine 4 di- and tri-methyl (H3K4me2/3)-specific demethylase, is frequently mutated in X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) patients. Here, we report that disruption of the mouse Kdm5c gene recapitulates adaptive and cognitive abnormalities observed in XLID, including impaired social behavior, memory deficits, and aggression. Kdm5c-knockout brains exhibit abnormal dendritic arborization, spine anomalies, and altered transcriptomes. In neurons, Kdm5c is recruited to promoters that harbor CpG islands decorated with high levels of H3K4me3, where it fine-tunes H3K4me3 levels. Kdm5c predominantly represses these genes, which include members of key pathways that regulate the development and function of neuronal circuitries. In summary, our mouse behavioral data strongly suggest that KDM5C mutations are causal to XLID. Furthermore, our findings suggest that loss of KDM5C function may impact gene expression in multiple regulatory pathways relevant to the clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Iwase
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, 5815 Medical Science II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Emily Brookes
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, 5815 Medical Science II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Aimee I Badeaux
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hikaru Ito
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Christina N Vallianatos
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, 5815 Medical Science II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Giulio Srubek Tomassy
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Tomas Kasza
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, 5815 Medical Science II, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Grace Lin
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lei Gu
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Kwan
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chinfei Chen
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maureen A Sartor
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brian Egan
- Active Motif Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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12
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Ashbrook DG, Williams RW, Lu L, Hager R. A cross-species genetic analysis identifies candidate genes for mouse anxiety and human bipolar disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:171. [PMID: 26190982 PMCID: PMC4486840 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a significant neuropsychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of ~1%. To identify genetic variants underlying BD genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been carried out. While many variants of small effect associated with BD have been identified few have yet been confirmed, partly because of the low power of GWAS due to multiple comparisons being made. Complementary mapping studies using murine models have identified genetic variants for behavioral traits linked to BD, often with high power, but these identified regions often contain too many genes for clear identification of candidate genes. In the current study we have aligned human BD GWAS results and mouse linkage studies to help define and evaluate candidate genes linked to BD, seeking to use the power of the mouse mapping with the precision of GWAS. We use quantitative trait mapping for open field test and elevated zero maze data in the largest mammalian model system, the BXD recombinant inbred mouse population, to identify genomic regions associated with these BD-like phenotypes. We then investigate these regions in whole genome data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium's bipolar disorder GWAS to identify candidate genes associated with BD. Finally we establish the biological relevance and pathways of these genes in a comprehensive systems genetics analysis. We identify four genes associated with both mouse anxiety and human BD. While TNR is a novel candidate for BD, we can confirm previously suggested associations with CMYA5, MCTP1, and RXRG. A cross-species, systems genetics analysis shows that MCTP1, RXRG, and TNR coexpress with genes linked to psychiatric disorders and identify the striatum as a potential site of action. CMYA5, MCTP1, RXRG, and TNR are associated with mouse anxiety and human BD. We hypothesize that MCTP1, RXRG, and TNR influence intercellular signaling in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Ashbrook
- Computational and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester Manchester, UK
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University of Tennessee Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University of Tennessee Memphis, TN, USA ; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University Nantong, China
| | - Reinmar Hager
- Computational and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester Manchester, UK
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13
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Bentea E, Demuyser T, Van Liefferinge J, Albertini G, Deneyer L, Nys J, Merckx E, Michotte Y, Sato H, Arckens L, Massie A, Smolders I. Absence of system xc- in mice decreases anxiety and depressive-like behavior without affecting sensorimotor function or spatial vision. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 59:49-58. [PMID: 25619129 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable preclinical and clinical evidence indicating that abnormal changes in glutamatergic signaling underlie the development of mood disorders. Astrocytic glutamate dysfunction, in particular, has been recently linked with the pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. System xc- is a glial cystine/glutamate antiporter that is responsible for nonvesicular glutamate release in various regions of the brain. Although system xc- is involved in glutamate signal transduction, its possible role in mediating anxiety or depressive-like behaviors is currently unknown. In the present study, we phenotyped adult and aged system xc- deficient mice in a battery of tests for anxiety and depressive-like behavior (open field, light/dark test, elevated plus maze, novelty suppressed feeding, forced swim test, tail suspension test). Concomitantly, we evaluated the sensorimotor function of system xc- deficient mice, using motor and sensorimotor based tests (rotarod, adhesive removal test, nest building test). Finally, due to the presence and potential functional relevance of system xc- in the eye, we investigated the visual acuity of system xc- deficient mice (optomotor test). Our results indicate that loss of system xc- does not affect motor or sensorimotor function, in either adult or aged mice, in any of the paradigms investigated. Similarly, loss of system xc- does not affect basic visual acuity, in either adult or aged mice. On the other hand, in the open field and light/dark tests, and forced swim and tail suspension tests respectively, we could observe significant anxiolytic and antidepressive-like effects in system xc- deficient mice that in certain cases (light/dark, forced swim) were age-dependent. These findings indicate that, under physiological conditions, nonvesicular glutamate release via system xc- mediates aspects of higher brain function related to anxiety and depression, but does not influence sensorimotor function or spatial vision. As such, modulation of system xc- might constitute the basis of innovative interventions in mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Bentea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Demuyser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joeri Van Liefferinge
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giulia Albertini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lauren Deneyer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Nys
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Merckx
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yvette Michotte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hideyo Sato
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann Massie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse Smolders
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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14
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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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15
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Barth A, Bilkei-Gorzo A, Drews E, Otte DM, Diaz-Lacava A, Varadarajulu J, Turck CW, Wienker TF, Zimmer A. Analysis of quantitative trait loci in mice suggests a role of Enoph1 in stress reactivity. J Neurochem 2013; 128:807-17. [PMID: 24236849 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Significant progress in elucidating the genetic etiology of anxiety and depression has been made during the last decade through a combination of human and animal studies. In this study, we aimed to discover genetic loci linked with anxiety as well as depression in order to reveal new candidate genes. Therefore, we initially tested the behavioral sensitivity of 543 F2 animals derived from an intercross of C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice in paradigms for anxiety and depression. Next, all animals were genotyped with 269 microsatellite markers with a mean distance of 5.56 cM. Finally, a Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis was carried out, followed by selection of candidate genes. The QTL analysis revealed several new QTL on chromosome 5 with a common core interval of 19 Mb. We further narrowed this interval by comparative genomics to a region of 15 Mb. A database search and gene prioritization revealed Enoph1 as the most significant candidate gene on the prioritization list for anxiety and also for depression fulfilling our selection criteria. The Enoph1 gene, which is involved in polyamine biosynthesis, is differently expressed in parental strains, which have different brain spermidine levels and show distinct anxiety and depression-related phenotype. Our result suggests a significant role in polyamines in anxiety and depression-related behaviors.
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16
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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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17
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Sokolowska E, Hovatta I. Anxiety genetics - findings from cross-species genome-wide approaches. BIOLOGY OF MOOD & ANXIETY DISORDERS 2013; 3:9. [PMID: 23659354 PMCID: PMC3655048 DOI: 10.1186/2045-5380-3-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are complex diseases, which often occur in combination with major depression, alcohol use disorder, or general medical conditions. Anxiety disorders were the most common mental disorders within the EU states in 2010 with 14% prevalence. Anxiety disorders are triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals, and therefore genetic research offers a great route to unravel molecular basis of these diseases. As anxiety is an evolutionarily conserved response, mouse models can be used to carry out genome-wide searches for specific genes in a setting that controls for the environmental factors. In this review, we discuss translational approaches that aim to bridge results from unbiased genome-wide screens using mouse models to anxiety disorders in humans. Several methods, such as quantitative trait locus mapping, gene expression profiling, and proteomics, have been used in various mouse models of anxiety to identify genes that regulate anxiety or play a role in maintaining pathological anxiety. We first discuss briefly the evolutionary background of anxiety, which justifies cross-species approaches. We then describe how several genes have been identified through genome-wide methods in mouse models and subsequently investigated in human anxiety disorder samples as candidate genes. These studies have led to the identification of completely novel biological pathways that regulate anxiety in mice and humans, and that can be further investigated as targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Sokolowska
- Department of Biosciences, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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18
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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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19
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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: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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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20
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Goodson M, Rust MB, Witke W, Bannerman D, Mott R, Ponting CP, Flint J. Cofilin-1: a modulator of anxiety in mice. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002970. [PMID: 23055942 PMCID: PMC3464202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The genes involved in conferring susceptibility to anxiety remain obscure. We developed a new method to identify genes at quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in a population of heterogeneous stock mice descended from known progenitor strains. QTLs were partitioned into intervals that can be summarized by a single phylogenetic tree among progenitors and intervals tested for consistency with alleles influencing anxiety at each QTL. By searching for common Gene Ontology functions in candidate genes positioned within those intervals, we identified actin depolymerizing factors (ADFs), including cofilin-1 (Cfl1), as genes involved in regulating anxiety in mice. There was no enrichment for function in the totality of genes under each QTL, indicating the importance of phylogenetic filtering. We confirmed experimentally that forebrain-specific inactivation of Cfl1 decreased anxiety in knockout mice. Our results indicate that similarity of function of mammalian genes can be used to recognize key genetic regulators of anxiety and potentially of other emotional behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Goodson
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marco B. Rust
- Neurobiology/Neurophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Walter Witke
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Bannerman
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Mott
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris P. Ponting
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Flint
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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21
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Abstract
Anxiety is a psychological, physiological, and behavioral state induced in animals and humans by a threat to well-being or survival, either actual or potential. It is characterized by increased arousal, expectancy, autonomic and neuroendocrine activation, and specific behavior patterns. The function of these changes is to facilitate coping with an adverse or unexpected situation. Pathological anxiety interferes with the ability to cope successfully with life challenges. Vulnerability to psychopathology appears to be a consequence of predisposing factors (or traits), which result from numerous gene-environment interactions during development (particularly during the perinatal period) and experience (life events), in this review, the biology of fear and anxiety will be examined from systemic (brain-behavior relationships, neuronal circuitry, and functional neuroanatomy) and cellular/molecular (neurotransmitters, hormones, and other biochemical factors) points of view, with particular reference to animal models. These models have been instrumental in establishing the biological correlates of fear and anxiety, although the recent development of noninvasive investigation methods in humans, such as the various neuroimaging techniques, certainly opens new avenues of research in this field. Our current knowledge of the biological bases of fear and anxiety is already impressive, and further progress toward models or theories integrating contributions from the medical, biological, and psychological sciences can be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Steimer
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Geneva University Hospital, Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland
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22
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Campo B, Kalinichev M, Lambeng N, El Yacoubi M, Royer-Urios I, Schneider M, Legrand C, Parron D, Girard F, Bessif A, Poli S, Vaugeois JM, Le Poul E, Celanire S. Characterization of an mGluR2/3 negative allosteric modulator in rodent models of depression. J Neurogenet 2012; 25:152-66. [PMID: 22091727 DOI: 10.3109/01677063.2011.627485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence suggesting that antagonists of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) exhibit antidepressant-like properties in several preclinical models of depression. However, all those studies have been performed using competitive group II non-selective orthosteric antagonists. In this study we extensively characterized a group II selective negative allosteric modulator (4-[3-(2,6-Dimethylpyridin-4-yl)phenyl]-7-methyl-8-trifluoromethyl-1,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]diazepin-2-one, namely RO4491533, Woltering et al., 2010) in several in vitro biochemical assays and in vivo models of depression. In vitro, RO4491533 completely blocked the glutamate-induced Ca(2+) mobilization and the glutamate-induced accumulation in [(35)S]GTP(γS) binding in cells expressing recombinant human or rat mGluR2 and in native tissues. Results from Schild plot experiments and reversibility test at the target on both cellular and membrane-based assays confirmed the negative allosteric modulator properties of the compound. RO4491533 was equipotent on mGluR2 and mGluR3 receptors but not active on any other mGluRs. RO4491533 has acceptable PK properties in mice and rats, is bioavailable following oral gavage (F = 30%) and brain-penetrant (CSF conc/total plasma conc ratio = 0.8%). RO4491533 appeared to engage the central mGluR2 and mGluR3 receptors since the compound reversed the hypolocomotor effect of an mGluR2/3 orthosteric agonist LY379268 in a target-specific manner, as did the group II orthosteric mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495. RO4491533 and LY341495 dose-dependently reduced immobility time of C57Bl6/J mice in the forced swim test. Also, RO4491533 and LY341495 were active in the tail suspension test in a line of Helpless (H) mice, a putative genetic model of depression. These data suggest that mGluR2/3 receptors are viable targets for development of novel pharmacotherapies for depression.
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Oppenheim SJ, Gould F, Hopper KR. The genetic architecture of a complex ecological trait: host plant use in the specialist moth, Heliothis subflexa. Evolution 2012; 66:3336-51. [PMID: 23106701 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2012.01712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We used genetic mapping to examine the genetic architecture of differences in host plant use between two species of noctuid moths, Heliothis subflexa, a specialist on Physalis spp., and its close relative, the broad generalist H. virescens. We introgressed H. subflexa chromosomes into the H. virescens background and analyzed 1462 backcross insects. The effects of H. subflexa-origin chromosomes were small when measured as the percent variation explained in backcross populations (0.2-5%), but were larger when considered in relation to the interspecific difference explained (1.5-165%). Most significant chromosomes had effects on more than one trait, and their effects varied between years, sexes, and genetic backgrounds. Different chromosomes could produce similar phenotypes, suggesting that the same trait might be controlled by different chromosomes in different backcross populations. It appears that many loci of small effect contribute to the use of Physalis by H. subflexa. We hypothesize that behavioral changes may have paved the way for physiological adaptation to Physalis by the generalist ancestor of H. subflexa and H. virescens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Oppenheim
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA.
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Takase K, Yamamoto Y, Yagami T. Maternal deprivation in the middle of a stress hyporesponsive period decreases hippocampal calcineurin expression and causes abnormal social and cognitive behaviours in adult male Wistar rats: Relevance to negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Behav Brain Res 2012; 232:306-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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25
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Sauce B, de Brito RA, Peripato AC. Genetic architecture of nest building in mice LG/J × SM/J. Front Genet 2012; 3:90. [PMID: 22654894 PMCID: PMC3361010 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal care is critical to offspring growth and survival, which is greatly improved by building an effective nest. Some suggest that genetic variation and underlying genetic effects differ between fitness-related traits and other phenotypes. We investigated the genetic architecture of a fitness-related trait, nest building, in F2 female mice intercrossed from inbred strains SM/J and LG/J using a QTL analysis for six related nest phenotypes (Presence and Structure pre- and postpartum, prepartum Material Used and postpartum Temperature). We found 15 direct-effect QTLs explaining from 4 to 13% of the phenotypic variation in nest building, mostly with non-additive effect. Epistatic analyses revealed 71 significant epistatic interactions which together explain from 28.4 to 75.5% of the variation, indicating an important role for epistasis in the adaptive process of nest building behavior in mice. Our results suggest a genetic architecture with small direct effects and a larger number of epistatic interactions as expected for fitness-related phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sauce
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Center of Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Sao Carlos Sao Carlos, Brazil
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Del Boca C, Lutz PE, Le Merrer J, Koebel P, Kieffer BL. Cholecystokinin knock-down in the basolateral amygdala has anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in mice. Neuroscience 2012; 218:185-95. [PMID: 22613736 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide widely distributed in the mammalian brain. This peptide regulates many physiological functions and behaviors, such as cardio-respiratory control, thermoregulation, nociception, feeding, memory processes and motivational responses, and plays a prominent role in emotional responses including anxiety and depression. CCK-expressing brain regions involved in these functions remain unclear and their identification represents an important step towards understanding CCK function in the brain. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is strongly involved in emotional processing and expresses high levels of CCK. In this study we examined the contribution of CCK expressed in this brain region to emotional responses in mice. To knockdown CCK specifically in the BLA, we used stereotaxic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors expressing a CCK-targeted shRNA. This procedure efficiently reduced CCK levels locally. shCCK-treated animals showed reduced levels of anxiety in the elevated plus-maze, and lower despair-like behavior in the forced swim test. Our data demonstrate that CCK expressed in the BLA represents a key brain substrate for anxiogenic and depressant effects of the peptide. The study also suggests that elevated amygdalar CCK could contribute to panic and major depressive disorders that have been associated with CCK dysfunction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Del Boca
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Centre National de Recherche Scientifique/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
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Dhabhar FS, Saul AN, Holmes TH, Daugherty C, Neri E, Tillie JM, Kusewitt D, Oberyszyn TM. High-anxious individuals show increased chronic stress burden, decreased protective immunity, and increased cancer progression in a mouse model of squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33069. [PMID: 22558071 PMCID: PMC3338811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of widespread anecdotal and scientific evidence much remains to be understood about the long-suspected connection between psychological factors and susceptibility to cancer. The skin is the most common site of cancer, accounting for nearly half of all cancers in the US, with approximately 2-3 million cases of non-melanoma cancers occurring each year worldwide. We hypothesized that a high-anxious, stress-prone behavioral phenotype would result in a higher chronic stress burden, lower protective-immunity, and increased progression of the immuno-responsive skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. SKH1 mice were phenotyped as high- or low-anxious at baseline, and subsequently exposed to ultraviolet-B light (1 minimal erythemal dose (MED), 3 times/week, 10-weeks). The significant strengths of this cancer model are that it uses a normal, immunocompetent, outbred strain, without surgery/injection of exogenous tumor cells/cell lines, and produces lesions that resemble human tumors. Tumors were counted weekly (primary outcome), and tissues collected during early and late phases of tumor development. Chemokine/cytokine gene-expression was quantified by PCR, tumor-infiltrating helper (Th), cytolytic (CTL), and regulatory (Treg) T cells by immunohistochemistry, lymph node T and B cells by flow cytometry, adrenal and plasma corticosterone and tissue vascular-endothelial-growth-factor (VEGF) by ELISA. High-anxious mice showed a higher tumor burden during all phases of tumor development. They also showed: higher corticosterone levels (indicating greater chronic stress burden), increased CCL22 expression and Treg infiltration (increased tumor-recruited immuno-suppression), lower CTACK/CCL27, IL-12, and IFN-γ gene-expression and lower numbers of tumor infiltrating Th and CTLs (suppressed protective immunity), and higher VEGF concentrations (increased tumor angiogenesis/invasion/metastasis). These results suggest that the deleterious effects of high trait anxiety could be: exacerbated by life-stressors, accentuated by the stress of cancer diagnosis/treatment, and mediate increased tumor progression and/or metastasis. Therefore, it may be beneficial to investigate the use of chemotherapy-compatible anxiolytic treatments immediately following cancer diagnosis, and during cancer treatment/survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdaus S Dhabhar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America.
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Genetic association between helpless trait and depression-related phenotypes: evidence from crossbreeding studies with H/Rouen and NH/Rouen mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 15:363-74. [PMID: 21557882 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145711000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors are believed to be involved in the aetiology of unipolar depressive disorders. We have previously described a model built up by selective breeding of mice with different responses in the tail suspension test, a screening test for potential antidepressants. In this model, helpless H/Rouen mice are essentially immobile in this test, as well as in the Porsolt forced-swim test, whereas non-helpless NH/Rouen mice show the opposite behaviour, i.e. very low immobility. However, it is unclear whether or not the other phenotypic differences (forced swim test, locomotor activity, sucrose test, sleep patterns, effect of fluoxetine) observed between H/Rouen and the NH/Rouen mice may be attributed to a genetic drift phenomenon during the selection step, rather than being related to the trait of selection. In this study we used reciprocal crossbreeding between H/Rouen and NH/Rouen mice and obtained a segregating F2 population in order to determine whether phenotypic differences between the two lines co-segregate with the trait of selection. In the segregating F2 population, we found significant and strong genetic correlations between helplessness in the tail suspension test and some phenotypical features associated with depressive disorders such as 'alterations of sleep patterns', behavioural response to fluoxetine, immobility duration in the forced swim test, and anhedonia. Our results converge with clinical observations in depressed humans. These results strengthen the validity of the H/Rouen mouse as a model of depression, notably for preclinical studies with antidepressants. In addition, this model should open the way to identifying genes related to depression-like behaviours.
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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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Abstract
Aggressive behavior is widely present throughout the animal kingdom and is crucial to ensure survival and reproduction. Aggressive actions serve to acquire territory, food, or mates and in defense against predators or rivals; while in some species these behaviors are involved in establishing a social hierarchy. Aggression is a complex behavior, influenced by a broad range of genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies in Drosophila provide insight into the genetic basis and control of aggression. The state of the art on aggression in Drosophila and the many opportunities provided by this model organism to unravel the genetic and neurobiological basis of aggression are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Zwarts
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, K.U. Leuven Center for Human Genetics, VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
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31
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Izídio GS, Oliveira LC, Oliveira LFG, Pereira E, Wehrmeister TD, Ramos A. The influence of sex and estrous cycle on QTL for emotionality and ethanol consumption. Mamm Genome 2011; 22:329-40. [PMID: 21516450 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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The genetic basis of adrenal gland weight and structure in BXD recombinant inbred mice. Mamm Genome 2011; 22:209-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9315-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Miller BH, Schultz LE, Gulati A, Su AI, Pletcher MT. Phenotypic characterization of a genetically diverse panel of mice for behavioral despair and anxiety. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14458. [PMID: 21206921 PMCID: PMC3012073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal models of human behavioral endophenotypes, such as the Tail Suspension Test (TST) and the Open Field assay (OF), have proven to be essential tools in revealing the genetics and mechanisms of psychiatric diseases. As in the human disorders they model, the measurements generated in these behavioral assays are significantly impacted by the genetic background of the animals tested. In order to better understand the strain-dependent phenotypic variability endemic to this type of work, and better inform future studies that rely on the data generated by these models, we phenotyped 33 inbred mouse strains for immobility in the TST, a mouse model of behavioral despair, and for activity in the OF, a model of general anxiety and locomotor activity. Results We identified significant strain-dependent differences in TST immobility, and in thigmotaxis and distance traveled in the OF. These results were replicable over multiple testing sessions and exhibited high heritability. We exploited the heritability of these behavioral traits by using in silico haplotype-based association mapping to identify candidate genes for regulating TST behavior. Two significant loci (-logp >7.0, gFWER adjusted p value <0.05) of approximately 300 kb each on MMU9 and MMU10 were identified. The MMU10 locus is syntenic to a major human depressive disorder QTL on human chromosome 12 and contains several genes that are expressed in brain regions associated with behavioral despair. Conclusions We report the results of phenotyping a large panel of inbred mouse strains for depression and anxiety-associated behaviors. These results show significant, heritable strain-specific differences in behavior, and should prove to be a valuable resource for the behavioral and genetics communities. Additionally, we used haplotype mapping to identify several loci that may contain genes that regulate behavioral despair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke H. Miller
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Laura E. Schultz
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anisha Gulati
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew I. Su
- Genomic Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mathew T. Pletcher
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute-Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nishi A, Ishii A, Takahashi A, Shiroishi T, Koide T. QTL analysis of measures of mouse home-cage activity using B6/MSM consomic strains. Mamm Genome 2010; 21:477-85. [PMID: 20886216 PMCID: PMC2974199 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-010-9289-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The activity of mice in their home cage is influenced greatly by the cycle of light and dark. In addition, home-cage activity shows remarkable time-dependent changes that result in a prominent temporal pattern. The wild-derived mouse strain MSM/Ms (MSM) exhibits higher total activity in the home cage than does C57BL/6 (B6), a commonly used laboratory strain. In addition, there is a clear strain difference in the temporal pattern of home-cage activity. This study aimed to clarify the genetic basis of strain differences in the temporal pattern of home-cage activity between MSM and B6. Through the comparison of temporal patterns of home-cage activity between B6 and MSM, the pattern can be classified into five temporal components: (1) resting phase, (2) anticipation phase, (3) 1st phase, (4) 2nd phase, and (5) 3rd phase. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in these temporal components, we used consomic strains established from crosses between B6 and MSM. Five consomic strains, for Chrs 2T (telomere), 3, 4, 13, and 14, showed significantly higher total activity than B6. In contrast, the consomic strains of Chrs 6C (centromere), 7T, 9, 11, and 15 were less active than B6. This indicates that multigenic factors regulate the total activity. Further analysis showed an impact of QTLs on the temporal components of home-cage activity. The present data showed that each temporal component was regulated by different combinations of multigenic factors, with some overlap. These temporal component-related QTLs are important to understand fully the genetic mechanisms that underlie home-cage activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Nishi
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-0801, Japan
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Zhou X, Nie Z, Roberts A, Zhang D, Sebat J, Malhotra D, Kelsoe JR, Geyer MA. Reduced NMDAR1 expression in the Sp4 hypomorphic mouse may contribute to endophenotypes of human psychiatric disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:3797-805. [PMID: 20634195 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The reduced expression of the Sp4 gene in Sp4 hypomorphic mice resulted in subtle vacuolization in the hippocampus as well as deficits in sensorimotor gating and contextual memory, putative endophenotypes for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. In this study, we examined both spatial learning/memory and hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) of Sp4 hypomorphic mice. Impaired spatial learning/memory and markedly reduced LTP were found. To corroborate the functional studies, the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors was investigated with both western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. The reduced expression of the Sp4 gene decreased the level of the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptors in Sp4 hypomorphic mice. In human, SP4 gene was found to be deleted sporadically in schizophrenia patients, corroborating evidence that polymorphisms of human SP4 gene are associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Impaired NMDA neurotransmission has been implicated in several human psychiatric disorders. As yet, it remains unclear how mutations of candidate susceptibility genes for these disorders may contribute to the disruption of NMDA neurotransmission. Sp4 hypomorphic mice could therefore serve as a genetic model to investigate impaired NMDA functions resulting from loss-of-function mutations of human SP4 gene in schizophrenia and/or other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, aberrant expression of additional genes, besides NMDAR1, likely also contributes to the behavioral abnormalities in Sp4 hypomorphic mice. Thus, further investigation of the Sp4 pathway may provide novel insights in our understanding of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjin Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603, USA.
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Miller BH, Schultz LE, Long BC, Pletcher MT. Quantitative trait locus analysis identifies Gabra3 as a regulator of behavioral despair in mice. Mamm Genome 2010; 21:247-57. [PMID: 20512339 PMCID: PMC2890984 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-010-9266-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Tail Suspension Test (TST), which measures behavioral despair, is widely used as an animal model of human depressive disorders and antidepressant efficacy. In order to identify novel genes involved in the regulation of TST performance, we crossed an inbred strain exhibiting low immobility in the TST (RIIIS/J) with two high-immobility strains (C57BL/6J and NZB/BlNJ) to create two distinct F2 hybrid populations. All F2 offspring (n = 655) were genotyped at high density with a panel of SNP markers. Whole-genome interval mapping of the F2 populations identified statistically significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on mouse chromosomes (MMU) 4, 6, and X. Microarray analysis of hippocampal gene expression in the three parental strains was used to identify potential candidate genes within the MMUX QTLs identified in the NZB/BlNJ × RIIIS/J cross. Expression of Gabra3, which encodes the GABAA receptor α3 subunit, was robust in the hippocampus of B6 and RIIIS mice but absent from NZB hippocampal tissue. To verify the role of Gabra3 in regulating TST behavior in vivo, mice were treated with SB-205384, a positive modulator of the α3 subunit. SB-205384 significantly reduced TST immobility in B6 mice without affecting general activity, but it had no effect on behavior in NZB mice. This work suggests that GABRA3 regulates a behavioral endophenotype of depression and establishes this gene as a viable new target for the study and treatment of human depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke H. Miller
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
| | - Laura E. Schultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
| | - Bradley C. Long
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
| | - Mathew T. Pletcher
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
- Compound Safety Prediction, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340 USA
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Wu WL, Lin YW, Min MY, Chen CC. Mice lacking Asic3 show reduced anxiety-like behavior on the elevated plus maze and reduced aggression. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2010; 9:603-14. [PMID: 20497234 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2010.00591.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sensing external stimulation is crucial for central processing in the brain and subsequent behavioral expression. Although sensory alteration or deprivation may result in behavioral changes, most studies related to the control of behavior have focused on central mechanisms. Here we created a sensory deficit model of mice lacking acid-sensing ion channel 3 (Asic3(-/-)) to probe behavioral alterations. ASIC3 is predominately distributed in the peripheral nervous system. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry used to examine the expression of Asic3 in the mouse brain showed near-background mRNA and protein levels of ASIC3 throughout the whole brain, except for the sensory mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. Consistent with the expression results, Asic3 knockout had no effect on synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus and the behavioral tasks of motor function, learning and memory. In anxiety behavior tasks, Asic3(-/-) mice spent more time in the open arms of an elevated plus maze than did their wild-type littermates. Asic3(-/-) mice also displayed less aggressiveness toward intruders but more stereotypic repetitive behaviors during resident-intruder testing than did wild-type littermates. Therefore, loss of ASIC3 produced behavioral changes in anxiety and aggression in mice, which suggests that ASIC3-dependent sensory activities might relate to the central process of emotion modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-L Wu
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Strain differences in stress responsivity are associated with divergent amygdala gene expression and glutamate-mediated neuronal excitability. J Neurosci 2010; 30:5357-67. [PMID: 20392957 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5017-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for numerous neuropsychiatric diseases. However, susceptibility to stress and the qualitative nature of stress effects on behavior differ markedly among individuals. This is partly because of the moderating influence of genetic factors. Inbred mouse strains provide a relatively stable and restricted range of genetic and environmental variability that is valuable for disentangling gene-stress interactions. Here, we screened a panel of inbred strains for anxiety- and depression-related phenotypes at baseline (trait) and after exposure to repeated restraint. Two strains, DBA/2J and C57BL/6J, differed in trait and restraint-induced anxiety-related behavior (dark/light exploration, elevated plus maze). Gene expression analysis of amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus revealed divergent expression in DBA/2J and C57BL/6J both at baseline and after repeated restraint. Restraint produced strain-dependent expression alterations in various genes including glutamate receptors (e.g., Grin1, Grik1). To elucidate neuronal correlates of these strain differences, we performed ex vivo analysis of glutamate excitatory neurotransmission in amygdala principal neurons. Repeated restraint augmented amygdala excitatory postsynaptic signaling and altered metaplasticity (temporal summation of NMDA receptor currents) in DBA/2J but not C57BL/6J. Furthermore, we found that the C57BL/6J-like changes in anxiety-related behavior after restraint were absent in null mutants lacking the modulatory NMDA receptor subunit Grin2a, but not the AMPA receptor subunit Gria1. Grin2a null mutants exhibited significant ( approximately 30%) loss of dendritic spines on amygdala principal neurons under nonrestraint conditions. Collectively, our data support a model in which genetic variation in glutamatergic neuroplasticity in corticolimbic circuitry underlies phenotypic variation in responsivity to stress.
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Quantitative trait loci contributing to physiological and behavioural ethanol responses after acute and chronic treatment. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 13:155-69. [PMID: 19691874 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145709990447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was the identification of gene loci that contribute to the development and manifestation of behaviours related to acute and chronic alcohol exposure, as well as to alcohol withdrawal. For this purpose, we performed a serial behavioural phenotyping of 534 animals from the second filial (F2) generation of a C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice intercross in paradigms with relevance to alcohol dependence. First, ethanol-induced hypothermia was determined in ethanol-naive animals. The mice then received an ethanol solution for several weeks as their only fluid source. Ethanol tolerance, locomotor activity and anxiety-related behaviours were evaluated. The ethanol was next withdrawn and the withdrawal severity was assessed. The ethanol-experienced animals were finally analysed in a two-bottle choice paradigm to determine ethanol preference and stress-induced changes in ethanol preference. The genotypes of these mice were subsequently assessed by microsatellite marker mapping. We genotyped 264 markers with an average marker distance of 5.56 cM, which represents a high-density whole genome coverage. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were subsequently identified using univariate analysis performed with the R/qtl tool, which is an extensible, interactive environment for mapping QTL in experimental crosses. We found QTL that have already been published, thus validating the serial phenotyping protocol, and identified several novel loci. Our analysis demonstrates that the various responses to ethanol are regulated by independent groups of genes.
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Comparison of the predictive validity of the mirror chamber and elevated plus maze tests in mice. J Neurosci Methods 2010; 188:62-70. [PMID: 20149823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mirror chamber (MC) is a putative test of anxiety-like behavior in mice, and is increasingly popular. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether the observed behaviors rely on the presence of mirrored panels. If so, it is unclear whether the behaviors are sensitive to clinically effective anxiolytics, and how the test compares to the elevated plus maze (EPM) in terms of predictive validity. The present studies assessed anxiety-like behaviors in different mouse strains in the MC using mirrored and non-mirrored panels, under variable lighting conditions. We also assessed the pharmacological validity of the MC and EPM tests, and the locomotor properties of active test compounds. Seven mouse strains exhibited different levels of anxiety-like behaviors in the MC, and differential sensitivity to panel and light conditions. DBA/2J mice appeared most sensitive to the mirrored, versus black or white, panels and were therefore used in pharmacological MC studies. The mGlu5 receptor antagonist MPEP significantly decreased anxiety-like behaviors, similar to an intermediate dose of the benzodiazepine diazepam. The benzodiazepines chlordiazepoxide and alprazolam and the 5HT(1A) partial agonist buspirone had no effects on anxiety-like behaviors in the MC. None of the MC effects of active test compounds were attributable to non-specific/locomotor effects. The antidepressants fluoxetine and venlafaxine increased anxiety-like behaviors in the MC. By contrast, the anxiolytic-like effects of chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and MPEP were revealed in the EPM in C57Bl6/J mice. In conclusion, the EPM test exhibits superior predictive validity compared to the MC test, despite the sensitivity of the MC to mouse strain differences.
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de Mooij-van Malsen AJG, van Lith HA, Oppelaar H, Hendriks J, de Wit M, Kostrzewa E, Breen G, Collier DA, Olivier B, Kas MJ. Interspecies trait genetics reveals association of Adcy8 with mouse avoidance behavior and a human mood disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2009; 66:1123-30. [PMID: 19691954 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2009] [Revised: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying susceptibility genes for endophenotypes by studying analogous behaviors across species is an important strategy for understanding the pathophysiology underlying psychiatric disorders. This approach provides novel biological pathways plus validated animal models critical for selective drug development. One such endophenotype is avoidance behavior. METHODS In the present study, novel automated registration methods for longitudinal behavioral assessment in home cages are used to screen a panel of recently generated mouse chromosome substitution strains that are very powerful in quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection of complex traits. In this way, we identified chromosomes regulating avoidance behavior (increased sheltering preference) independent of motor activity levels (horizontal distance moved). Genetic information from the mouse QTL-interval was integrated with that from the homologous human linkage region for a mood disorder. RESULTS We genetically mapped a QTL for avoidance behavior on mouse chromosome 15, homologous with a human genome region (8q24) linked to bipolar disorder. Integrating the syntenic mouse QTL-interval with genotypes of 1868 BPD cases versus 14,311 control subjects revealed two associated genes (ADCY8 and KCNQ3). Adenylyl cyclase 8 (Adcy8) was differentially expressed in specific brain regions of mouse strains that differ in avoidance behavior levels. Finally, we showed that chronic infusion of the human mood stabilizer carbamazepine (that acts via adenylyl cyclase activity) significantly reduced mouse avoidance behavior, providing a further link between human mood disorders and this mouse home cage behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that Adcy8 might encode a translational behavioral endophenotype of bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annetrude J G de Mooij-van Malsen
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lad HV, Liu L, Paya-Cano JL, Parsons MJ, Kember R, Fernandes C, Schalkwyk LC. Behavioural battery testing: evaluation and behavioural outcomes in 8 inbred mouse strains. Physiol Behav 2009; 99:301-16. [PMID: 19931548 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The use of large scale behavioural batteries for the discovery of novel genes underlying behavioural variation has considerable potential. Building a broad behavioural profile serves to better understand the complex interplay of overlapping genetic factors contributing to various paradigms, underpinning a systems biology approach. We devised a battery of tests to dissect and characterise the genetic bases of behavioural phenotypes, but firstly undertook to evaluate several aspects considered potentially confounding for mapping quantitative traits. These included investigating: individual versus sibling housing; testing at different times during the day; battery versus non-battery testing; and initial placement within the light-dark box. Furthermore, we assessed how behavioural profiles differed in our battery across 8 inbred strains. Overall, we found the behavioural battery was most sensitive to paired-housing effects, where weight and some measures in the open field, elevated plus maze and light-dark box differed significantly between sibling housed and singly housed mice. Few large effects were found for testing at different times of day and battery versus non-battery testing. Placement in the light-dark box influenced activity and duration measures, which profoundly affected the analysis outcome. Behavioural profiles across eight inbred strains (C57BL/6J, 129S1/SvImJ, A/J, BALB/cByJ, C3H/HeJ, DBA/2J, FVB/NJ, and SJL/J) demonstrated some robust strain ranking differences for measures in the open field and light-dark tests in our battery. However, some tests such as the elevated plus maze produced incongruous strain ranking effects across measures. The findings reported herein bear out the promise of behavioural batteries for mapping naturally occurring variation in mouse reference populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena Vanmalibhai Lad
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
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Schneider J, Gadow KD, Crowell JA, Sprafkin J. Anxiety in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with and without chronic multiple tic disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2009; 19:737-48. [PMID: 20035592 PMCID: PMC2830213 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2009.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the psychosocial and behavioral concomitants of anxiety in clinic-referred boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with and without chronic multiple tic disorder (CMTD). METHOD ADHD boys with (n = 65) and without (n = 94) CMTD were evaluated with measures of psychiatric symptoms, mental health risk factors, and academic and social performance. RESULTS Boys with CMTD evidenced more severe anxiety and less social competence and were more likely to be living with only one biological parent than the ADHD Only group, but the magnitude of group differences was generally small. The severity of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were uniquely associated with a different pattern of risk factors, and there was some evidence that these patterns differed for the two groups of boys. CONCLUSION Boys with CMTD had a relatively more severe and complex pattern of anxiety that was associated with different clinical features, all of which suggests that ADHD plus CMTD might better be conceptualized as a distinct clinical entity from ADHD Only. However, findings from the extant literature are mixed, and therefore this remains a topic for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8790, USA.
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Freedom of movement and the stability of its unfolding in free exploration of mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:21335-40. [PMID: 19934049 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0812513106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploration is a central component of human and animal behavior that has been studied in rodents for almost a century. The measures used by neuroscientists to characterize full-blown exploration are limited in exposing the dynamics of the exploratory process, leaving the morphogenesis of its structure and meaning hidden. By unfettering exploration from constraints imposed by hunger, thirst, coercion, and the confines of small cage and short session, using advanced computational tools, we reveal its meaning in the operational world of the mouse. Exploration consists of reiterated roundtrips of increasing amplitude and freedom, involving an increase in the number of independent dimensions along which the mouse moves (macro degrees of freedom). This measurable gradient can serve as a standard reference scale for the developmental dynamics of some aspects of the mouse's emotional-cognitive state and for the study of the interface between behavior and the neurophysiologic and genetic processes mediating it.
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Gadow KD, Roohi J, DeVincent CJ, Kirsch S, Hatchwell E. Association of COMT (Val158Met) and BDNF (Val66Met) gene polymorphisms with anxiety, ADHD and tics in children with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2009; 39:1542-51. [PMID: 19582565 PMCID: PMC4348067 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-009-0794-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 06/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to examine rs4680 (COMT) and rs6265 (BDNF) as genetic markers of anxiety, ADHD, and tics. Parents and teachers completed a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale for a total sample of 67 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both COMT (p = 0.06) and BDNF (p = 0.07) genotypes were marginally significant for teacher ratings of social phobia (etap (2) = 0.06). Analyses also indicated associations of BDNF genotype with parent-rated ADHD (p = 0.01, etap (2) = 0.10) and teacher-rated tics (p = 0.04; etap (2) = 0.07). There was also evidence of a possible interaction (p = 0.02, etap (2) = 0.09) of BDNF genotype with DAT1 3' VNTR with tic severity. BDNF and COMT may be biomarkers for phenotypic variation in ASD, but these preliminary findings remain tentative pending replication with larger, independent samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth D. Gadow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Putnam Hall, South Campus, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8790, USA
| | - Jasmin Roohi
- Department of Genetics, Stony Brook University, Health Sciences Tower T8-053, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8088, USA,
| | - Carla J. DeVincent
- Department of Pediatrics, Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, State University of New York, Putnam Hall, South Campus, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8788, USA,
| | - Sarah Kirsch
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York, HSC-T8, Room 053, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8088, USA,
| | - Eli Hatchwell
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York, HSC-T8, Room 053, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8088, USA,
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Expression of alpha-synuclein is increased in the hippocampus of rats with high levels of innate anxiety. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:894-905. [PMID: 18427558 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2008.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A genomic region neighboring the alpha-synuclein gene, on rat chromosome 4, has been associated with anxiety- and alcohol-related behaviors in different rat strains. In this study, we have investigated potential molecular and physiological links between alpha-synuclein and the behavioral differences observed between Lewis (LEW) and Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) inbred rats, a genetic model of anxiety. As expected, LEW rats appeared more fearful than SHR rats in three anxiety models: open field, elevated plus maze and light/dark box. Moreover, LEW rats displayed a higher preference for alcohol and consumed higher quantities of alcohol than SHR rats. alpha-Synuclein mRNA and protein concentrations were higher in the hippocampus, but not the hypothalamus of LEW rats. This result inversely correlated with differences in dopamine turnover in the hippocampus of LEW and SHR rats, supporting the hypothesis that alpha-synuclein is important in the downregulation of dopamine neurotransmission. A novel single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the alpha-synuclein cDNA between these two rat strains. Plasmid constructs based on the LEW 3'-UTR sequence displayed increased expression of a reporter gene in transiently transfected PC12 cells, in accordance with in-vivo findings, suggesting that this nucleotide exchange might participate in the differential expression of alpha-synuclein between LEW and SHR rats. These results are consistent with a novel role for alpha-synuclein in modulating rat anxiety-like behaviors, possibly through dopaminergic mechanisms. Since the behavioral and genetic differences between these two strains are the product of independent evolutionary histories, the possibility that polymorphisms in the alpha-synuclein gene may be associated with vulnerability to anxiety-related disorders in humans requires further investigation.
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Bolivar VJ. Intrasession and intersession habituation in mice: from inbred strain variability to linkage analysis. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2009; 92:206-14. [PMID: 19496240 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
When placed in a novel environment, mice tend to explore for a period of time, and then reduce the level of exploration. This reduction in locomotor or exploratory behavior is known as habituation and can occur within a single session or across sessions, respectively, termed intrasession and intersession habituation. Recent research indicates that there is a genetic component to habituation behavior and that some of the genes involved differ between the two types of habituation. The genetic evidence also suggests that intrasession habituation and intersession habituation are measuring somewhat different conceptual entities and with more such evidence may eventually help us understand the different pathways involved. Some of the genetic methods and tools used to unravel the roles of specific genes in both types of habituation are outlined here, with examples from the literature, as well as new data, to illustrate that this seemingly simple behavior is actually very complicated in terms of genetics. Evidence to date suggests that a number of genetic regions play roles in one or both types of habituation, and further research will be necessary to determine the specific genes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie J Bolivar
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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Abbott JD, Kent S, Levay EA, Tucker RV, Penman J, Tammer AH, Paolini AG. The effects of calorie restriction olfactory cues on conspecific anxiety-like behaviour. Behav Brain Res 2009; 201:305-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2008] [Revised: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Umemori J, Nishi A, Lionikas A, Sakaguchi T, Kuriki S, Blizard DA, Koide T. QTL analyses of temporal and intensity components of home-cage activity in KJR and C57BL/6J strains. BMC Genet 2009; 10:40. [PMID: 19638241 PMCID: PMC2723135 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-10-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 07/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of mouse strains exhibit diversity in spontaneous activity consistent with an important genetic contribution. To date, many studies have defined spontaneous home-cage activity as total distance or total counts of activity within a test period. However, spontaneous activity is, in fact, a composite of elements of 'temporal' and 'intensity' that is similar to 'velocity'. Here, we report on quantitative trait loci for different components of spontaneous activity, an important step towards dissection of the underlying genetic mechanisms. RESULTS In the analysis of total home-cage activity (THA) after habituation in female mice, KJR strain exhibit higher activity than C57BL/6J (B6). In this study, THA was partitioned into two components: active time (AT) was an index of the 'temporal element' of THA, average activity during active time (AA) was an index of 'intensity'. Correlation analysis using B6xKJR F2 female mice indicated that AA is a major component of THA, whereas AA and AT were associated to a lesser degree. To explore the genetic basis of the activity differences, we conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis on data of THA and its components, AT and AA. Three significant QTL affecting variation of different components of home cage activity were identified, two linked QTL Hylaq1 and Hylaq2 on Chr 2, and Hylaq3 on Chr 10. Chromosomal positions of these QTL were previously implicated in locomotor activity (Chr 2) or open-field ambulation (Chr 10). The results indicated that Hylaq1 influences AT, Hylaq2, AA, while Hylaq3 is associated with both AA and AT. CONCLUSION Through this study, we found that variation in total home cage activity over a 3 day period is affected by variation in active time and intensity of activity. The latter two variables are distinct components of home cage activity with only partially overlapping genetic architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzoh Umemori
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Arimantas Lionikas
- School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Center for Developmental and Health Genetics, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Takayuki Sakaguchi
- Department of Mathematical Analysis and Statistical Inference; Statistical Genome Diversity Research Group, Prediction and Knowledge Discovery Research Center, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuriki
- Department of Mathematical Analysis and Statistical Inference; Statistical Genome Diversity Research Group, Prediction and Knowledge Discovery Research Center, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David A Blizard
- Center for Developmental and Health Genetics, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Koide
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
- Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
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Foreman JE, Lionikas A, Lang DH, Gyekis JP, Krishnan M, Sharkey NA, Gerhard GS, Grant MD, Vogler GP, Mack HA, Stout JT, Griffith JW, Lakoski JM, Hofer SM, McClearn GE, Vandenbergh DJ, Blizard DA. Genetic architecture for hole-board behaviors across substantial time intervals in young, middle-aged and old mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2009; 8:714-27. [PMID: 19671078 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2009.00516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of behaviors across the life span was conducted in F(2) mice from a C57BL/6J x DBA/2J cross and 22 BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains. Mice of three age groups were tested in a hole-board apparatus for 3 min on three occasions approximately 1 month apart (average age at test 150, 450 and 750 days, approximately 400 mice per group, divided equally by sex). Quantitative trait loci with small effect size were found on 11 chromosomes for hole-board activity (Hbact) and hole-board rearing (Hbrear). Analysis of 22 RI strains tested at 150 and 450 days of age found only suggestive linkage, with four QTL for Hbact overlapping with those from the F(2) analysis. There was a significant phenotypic correlation between Hbact and Hbrear (approximately 0.55-0.69) and substantial commonality among QTL for the two behaviors. QTL analyses of head-pokes (HP) and fecal boli (FB) only identified QTL at the suggestive level of significance. Age accounted for approximately 15% of the phenotypic variance (sex approximately 3%), and there were genotype by age interactions at approximately 25% of the Hbact and Hbrear QTL. Quantitative trait loci for Hbrear were relatively stable across the three measurement occasions (those for Hbact somewhat less so), although mean levels of each index declined markedly comparing the first to subsequent trials. Considered as a whole, the polygenic system influencing exploratory behaviors accounts for approximately the same amount of phenotypic variance as age (within the range studied), is stable across substantial periods of time, and acts, for the most part, independently of age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Foreman
- Center for Developmental and Health Genetics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-2317, USA
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