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Behavior genetic analysis of mouse emotionality. III. The diallel analysis
Behavior Genetics
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Inheritance of mouse emotionality is complex, with polygenic and dominant modes varying by specific behavioral factor. This study reveals distinct genetic patterns for different emotional traits in mice.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Emotionality in mice is a complex trait.
- Previous research identified 14 interpretable behavioral factors from 42 measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mode of inheritance for various emotionality factors in mice.
- To determine if genetic influences on emotionality are consistent across different behavioral dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 6x6 diallel mating plan with 775 pure-strain and F1 mice.
- Applied Hayman's analysis of variance and diallel cross analysis to 10 interpretable behavioral factors.
- Examined genetic inheritance patterns, including dominance effects and sex differences.
Main Results:
- Inheritance of emotionality factors is generally polygenic with complete dominance.
- Specific factors exhibited partial dominance (e.g., Motor Discharge, Activity Level in males), complete dominance (e.g., Audiogenic Reactivity, Activity Level in females), and overdominance (e.g., Acrophobia).
- Directional dominance was observed for Underwater Swimming and Audiogenic Reactivity; significant sex differences were found for eight factors.
Conclusions:
- The mode of inheritance for complex behaviors like emotionality is factor-dependent.
- Genetic architecture of emotionality varies significantly across different behavioral traits in mice.
- Understanding these genetic variations is crucial for behavioral genetics research.
