There are substantial genetic contributions to the development of complex behaviors in humans and animals. The research challenge is to understand how these genetic contributions influence the developmental pathways that lead to complex behaviors of relevance to human health and disease. Developmental behavior genetics integrates the perspectives of quantitative genetics, molecular genetics, neurobiology and, increasingly, the resources of bioinformatics, into the study of behavioral development. Using multidisciplinary approaches, the genetic contributions to normal and abnormal development can be investigated. The application of biometrical genetic techniques and the development of quantitative trait loci methods allows the mapping of genes that regulate complex polygenic traits, as well as the development of quantitative information about stability and change during development and the causes of specificity and generality, or comorbidity, across behavioral phenotypes. Information from such analyses, along with neurochemical neuropharmacological, and molecular genetic studies, will provide an understanding of how gene function is related to behavioral development. The Institute for Behavioral Genetics (IBG) at the University of Colorado has actively pursued the goals of behavior genetics for nearly four decades. Its faculty is distinguished and active in research. Major research projects are now in progress in both human and animal behavior genetics. Facilities are available for gene mapping studies in human, mouse and nematode models, behavioral and biochemical studies in mice and nematodes, and biometrical analyses of extensive human phenotypic twin, family, adoption, and clinical datasets that can be cross-linked to DNA data. Funds are requested to support 5 predoctoral and 2 postdoctoral trainees. Predoctoral trainees receive doctorate degrees from a cooperating academic unit and certification in behavior genetics. Academic requirements in the training program include training in behavior genetics, quantitative and biometrical genetics, theoretical and computer-based statistics, molecular genetics, bioinformatics, responsible conduct of research, and courses on behavioral and clinical phenotypes. Additional requirements vary according to the degree granting academic unit. Research experience is an integral part of training. Postdoctoral trainees also pursue a formalized program that emphasizes individual research as well as competence in molecular and quantitative behavior genetics. Other activities in their preparation include: supervision of students and/or technicians, hosting of seminar speakers, guest lecturing, and mandatory attendance in a course on the responsible conduct of research and a weekly journal club.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32HD007289-22
Application #
7062057
Study Section
Pediatrics Subcommittee (CHHD)
Program Officer
Freund, Lisa S
Project Start
1985-07-01
Project End
2010-04-30
Budget Start
2006-05-01
Budget End
2007-04-30
Support Year
22
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$160,295
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado at Boulder
Department
Genetics
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
007431505
City
Boulder
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80309
Rhee, Soo Hyun; Friedman, Naomi P; Smith Watts, Ashley K et al. (2018) The Association Between Toddlerhood Self-Control and Later Externalizing Problems. Behav Genet 48:125-134
Smith Watts, Ashley K; Friedman, Naomi P; Corley, Robin P et al. (2018) A Longitudinal and Multidimensional Examination of the Associations Between Temperament and Self-Restraint During Toddlerhood. Child Dev :
Woodward, Kerri E; Boeldt, Debra L; Corley, Robin P et al. (2018) Correlates of Positive Parenting Behaviors. Behav Genet :
Demmitt, Brittany A; Corley, Robin P; Huibregtse, Brooke M et al. (2017) Genetic influences on the human oral microbiome. BMC Genomics 18:659
Johnson, Emma C; Border, Richard; Melroy-Greif, Whitney E et al. (2017) No Evidence That Schizophrenia Candidate Genes Are More Associated With Schizophrenia Than Noncandidate Genes. Biol Psychiatry 82:702-708
Johnson, Daniel P; Rhee, Soo Hyun; Friedman, Naomi P et al. (2016) A Twin Study Examining Rumination as a Transdiagnostic Correlate of Psychopathology. Clin Psychol Sci 4:971-987
Christopher, Micaela E; Keenan, Janice M; Hulslander, Jacqueline et al. (2016) The genetic and environmental etiologies of the relations between cognitive skills and components of reading ability. J Exp Psychol Gen 145:451-66
Leopold, Daniel R; Christopher, Micaela E; Burns, G Leonard et al. (2016) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sluggish cognitive tempo throughout childhood: temporal invariance and stability from preschool through ninth grade. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 57:1066-74
Amat, Jose; Dolzani, Samuel D; Tilden, Scott et al. (2016) Previous Ketamine Produces an Enduring Blockade of Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of Uncontrollable Stress. J Neurosci 36:153-61
Daw, Jonathan; Margolis, Rachel; Verdery, Ashton M (2015) Siblings, friends, course-mates, club-mates: how adolescent health behavior homophily varies by race, class, gender, and health status. Soc Sci Med 125:32-9

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