Behavior results from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. However, it is still not clear how genes exert control over behavior, and how genetic processes interact with the environment. Dr. Lenington has a fascinating system that can provide answers to these important problems. She has found that genetic variability associated with the t-complex in wild house mice may have a strong influence on naturally occurring behavior patterns. The t-complex is located on chromosome 17 and is linked with the H-2 histocompatibility complex of the mouse. About 25% of wild house mice carry the t haplotype, which have deleterious effects when homozygous. Depending upon the specific t haplotype, homozygosity could result in death during fetal development or sterility, if the mice survive. Dr. Lenington has found that wild mice can use odor cues to discriminate genetic differences at the t-complex and that the mice prefer odors of conspecifics that do not carry t haplotypes. She will now determine whether behavior of the mothers towards their young is affected by the presence of the t haplotypes. Dr. Lenington will determine whether the mothers prefer to raise pups that do not carry this mutation. In addition, she will examine the behavior of a mother herself that carries this genetic mutation. The t complex provides a rare opportunity to examine the effect of specific genes upon behavior in wild mammals. Not only will this work provide important and novel information regarding the role of genes and behavior, but the model itself opens new avenues for molecular biologists to pursue how a specific piece of DNA on chromosome 17 is ultimately translated into a behavioral outcome.
