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Attack behaviors in mice: from factorial structure to quantitative trait loci mapping
Pierre L Roubertoux1, Pascale-Valérie Guillot, Stéphane Mortaud
1Génétique, Neurogénétique, Comportement, CNRS-Université de Parìs V, then P3M-CNRS Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France. rouber@dpm.cnrs-mrs.fr
European Journal of Pharmacology
|November 4, 2005
Summary
Mouse aggression is influenced by genetics and environment. Different testing conditions reveal distinct genetic factors, including the steroid sulfatase gene, impacting attack behavior and its correlates.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Attack behavior in mice is a complex trait influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
- Previous studies suggest variations in housing, testing conditions, and opponents can alter aggressive responses.
- Neurochemical correlates, including testosterone, 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT), beta-endorphin, and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), are implicated in modulating attack behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic architecture of mouse attack behavior under contrasting rearing and testing conditions.
- To identify common and distinct Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) associated with aggression across different environmental contexts.
- To explore the role of the steroid sulfatase gene (Sts) in modulating specific components of attack behavior.
Main Methods:
- A genome-wide scan was performed on two independent mouse populations (C57BL/6J and NZB/BlNJ) subjected to contrasting rearing, housing, and testing conditions.
- Mice were confronted with standard opponents (A/J males) to elicit attack behavior.
- Factor analysis was used to examine correlations between attack behavior and neurochemical concentrations (testosterone, 5-HT, beta-endorphin, ACTH).
Main Results:
- Common QTLs for rattling latency were identified on chromosomes MMU8 and MMU12 across different conditions.
- Common QTLs for the number of attacks were found on chromosomes MMU11 and MMU12.
- The steroid sulfatase gene (Sts) on the X-Y pairing region was significantly linked to attack latency and number of attacks in non-isolated males tested in a neutral area.
Conclusions:
- Attack behavior in mice exhibits distinct genetic underpinnings depending on the environmental context of rearing and testing.
- The steroid sulfatase gene (Sts) plays a significant role in modulating specific aspects of aggression, particularly in non-isolated males.
- These findings underscore the importance of standardized and diverse testing protocols for a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and pharmacological influences on aggressive behavior.