This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.We have created a genome-wide set of microsatellite markers, to facilitate the discovery of novel genes contributing to variation in social behavior, that will be useful in Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) studies. We have been and will continue to sequence these markers and identifying those markers that will be most useful in genomic studies. In parallel, we have begun selectively breeding prairie voles to establish lines that differ in their propensity to form social bonds. The goal of this project is to develop genomic resources for the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) that will significantly enhance the value of this species as a model for understanding the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms governing social behavior. Voles are ideally suited for investigating the mechanisms underlying variation in social behavior. The monogamous prairie voles are highly affiliative, form life-long social attachments and display high levels of biparental care. In contrast, montane and meadow voles are relatively asocial, do not form social attachments, and are minimally parental. In addition to this species diversity, there is remarkable intra-species variation in social behavior among prairie voles, both within a population and among populations of different geographical ranges. This behavioral diversity provides an exciting opportunity to discover novel genes contributing to the regulation and diversity of social behavior. The discoveries made in prairie voles have important implications for psychiatric disorders associated with impairments in social behavior, including autism, schizophrenia and depression. However, the development of this model to its full potential is limited by the molecular and genomic resources available for the prairie vole. These resources will facilitate the discovery of novel genes involved in the regulation of social behavior and will be made freely available to the rapidly growing prairie vole research community.
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