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Altered gene expression in mice selected for high maternal aggression
S C Gammie1, A P Auger, H M Jessen
1Department of Zoology, and Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA. scgammie@wisc.edu
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|August 31, 2006
Summary
Selective breeding increased maternal aggression in mice. Gene expression analysis in the hypothalamus revealed significant changes in neurotransmitter and metabolic genes, identifying candidates for maternal defense behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Maternal aggression, or maternal defense, is a crucial behavior for offspring survival.
- Selective breeding has been used to enhance specific behavioral traits in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes and pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) associated with increased maternal aggression.
- To compare gene expression profiles between mice selectively bred for high maternal aggression and control mice.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling using microarrays on hypothalamus and preoptic regions of selected (S) and control (C) mice.
- Statistical analysis employing robust multiarray and probe logarithmic intensity error methods to identify differentially expressed genes.
- Validation of selected gene candidates using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- Approximately 200 genes showed significant expression differences between S and C mice.
- Decreased expression of neurotensin and neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 in S mice.
- Increased expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, Kcna1, corticotrophin releasing factor binding protein, and GABA A receptor subunit 1A in S mice.
- Elevated levels of adenosine A1 receptor, c-Fos, and Egr-1 in S mice.
- Significant upregulation of 24 metabolism-related genes in S mice.
Conclusions:
- This study identified a list of candidate genes, including both novel and previously implicated ones, that may regulate maternal aggression.
- Altered expression of neurotransmitter receptors, transcription factors, and metabolic genes suggests complex molecular mechanisms underlying maternal defense behavior.
- The findings provide a foundation for further research into the genetic basis of maternal aggression.
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