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Genetic Analysis of the Stereotypic Phenotype in Peromyscus maniculatus (deer mice)
Shannon W Davis1,2, Hippokratis Kiaris3,2, Vimala Kaza3,2
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
Abstract:
Peromyscus maniculatus, including the laboratory stock BW, have been used as a model organism for autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder because of the high occurrence of stereotypy. Several studies have identified neurological and environmental components of the phenotype; however, the heritability of the phenotype has not been examined. This study characterizes the incidence and heritability of vertical jumping stereotypy (VS) and backflipping (BF) behavior in the BW stock of the Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, which are indicative of autism spectrum disorders. In addition, interspecies crosses between P. maniculatus and P. polionotus were also performed to further dissect genetically stereotypic behavior. The inheritance pattern of VS suggests that multiple genes result in a quantitative trait with low VS being dominant over high VS. The inheritance pattern of BF suggests that fewer genes are involved, with one allele causing BF in a dominant fashion. An association analysis in BW could reveal the underlying genetic loci associated with stereotypy in P. maniculatus, especially for the BF behavior.
Insights
This study examined the heritability of stereotypies in Peromyscus maniculatus, finding that vertical jumping stereotypy is quantitative and backflipping is dominant. These findings offer insights into genetic models for autism spectrum disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Peromyscus maniculatus exhibits stereotypies, making it a model for autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Previous research identified neurological and environmental factors, but heritability remained unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the incidence and heritability of vertical jumping stereotypy (VS) and backflipping (BF) in Peromyscus maniculatus.
- To investigate the genetic basis of stereotypic behaviors using interspecies crosses.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral assays were conducted on the BW stock of Peromyscus maniculatus.
- Interspecies crosses between P. maniculatus and P. polionotus were performed.
- Inheritance patterns for VS and BF were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Vertical jumping stereotypy (VS) inheritance suggests a quantitative trait influenced by multiple genes, with low VS dominant.
- Backflipping (BF) inheritance indicates a simpler genetic model, possibly involving a single dominant allele.
- Interspecies crosses provided further genetic dissection of stereotypic behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Stereotypic behaviors in Peromyscus maniculatus have a significant heritable component.
- Understanding the genetic architecture of VS and BF can inform autism spectrum disorder research.
- Association analysis in BW stock could identify specific genetic loci for stereotypy.
