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A simple genetic basis for a complex psychological trait in laboratory mice
J Flint1, R Corley, J C DeFries
1Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 8, 1995
Summary
Researchers identified three genetic locations influencing emotionality in mice, a trait linked to anxiety and neuroticism in humans. This finding advances understanding of the genetic basis of behavior.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Neuroscience
- Animal models of human disease
Background:
- Psychological traits are often inferred from seemingly unrelated behavioral measures.
- Emotionality in mice, characterized by activity and defecation in novel environments and maze exploration, is one such trait.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of emotionality can provide insights into human anxiety and neuroticism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic loci associated with emotionality in mice.
- To explore the covariation between different behavioral measures defining emotionality.
- To investigate the potential link between murine emotionality and human psychological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral and quantitative trait analyses were performed on 879 mice from an F2 intercross.
- Four specific behavioral measures were collected to assess emotionality.
- Genetic mapping was employed to locate influencing loci on murine chromosomes.
Main Results:
- Three significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing emotionality were mapped.
- These loci are located on murine chromosomes 1, 12, and 15.
- The study confirmed covariation between activity, defecation, and elevated plus maze behavior in defining emotionality.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors on chromosomes 1, 12, and 15 significantly influence emotionality in mice.
- This research provides a genetic basis for a trait relevant to understanding anxiety and neuroticism.
- The findings support the use of rodent models for studying the genetics of complex psychological traits.
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