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Related Experiment Videos

Artificial selection for increased wheel-running behavior in house mice

J G Swallow1, P A Carter, T Garland

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706-1381, USA.

Behavior Genetics
|July 22, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Ten generations of selective breeding significantly increased voluntary wheel running activity in mice. This study highlights the genetic basis of exercise behavior and provides valuable resources for future research.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal behavior genetics
  • Exercise physiology
  • Quantitative genetics

Background:

  • Voluntary physical activity is a complex trait influenced by genetics.
  • Understanding the genetic architecture of exercise behavior is crucial for public health and disease research.
  • Previous studies have explored heritability of activity, but long-term selection experiments offer deeper insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic basis of voluntary wheel running in mice through long-term selective breeding.
  • To quantify the realized heritability of increased physical activity.
  • To establish mouse lines with significantly enhanced running behavior for future physiological studies.

Main Methods:

  • Replicated within-family selection for increased voluntary wheel running (revolutions per day) over ten generations in outbred house mice (Mus domesticus).

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  • Four high-selected and four control lines were maintained, with selection based on activity on days 5 and 6 of a 6-day period.
  • Heritability estimates for running behavior traits (revolutions per day, average velocity, minutes of activity) were determined using midparent-offspring regression prior to selection.

    • Main Results:

    • Ten generations of selection resulted in an average 75% increase in wheel running activity in selected lines compared to controls.
    • Realized heritability for increased activity averaged 0.19 (0.28 adjusted for within-family selection).
    • The increase in activity was primarily driven by enhanced running velocity (rpm) rather than increased duration of activity (min/day).

    Conclusions:

    • Selective breeding is effective in significantly increasing voluntary wheel running in mice.
    • The genetic component of voluntary physical activity is substantial and can be effectively targeted through selection.
    • These selected mouse lines represent a valuable genetic resource for investigating the physiological consequences of enhanced exercise capacity.