Genetic architecture of the mammalian (canid) skeleton: The silver fox (V. vulpes

描述(由申请人提供)：这是一个试点项目的继续，以确定控制银狐，V.Vulves的行为和形态的遗传基因座。该项目利用了该研究所培育的两个独特的狐狸种群，通过选择对人类的行为反应：一个种群是驯养的(驯养的)，另一个种群是攻击性的。布莱恩·黑尔和他的同事们最近的行为研究表明，驯化狼(狗)和这些狐狸涉及到从人类的面部表情和肢体语言解读人类意图的能力。这一特征有望揭示自闭症等人类的行为问题。我们有初步证据确定了四个控制这种行为的遗传基因。这一证据来自对回交攻击性狐狸所产生的分离后代的遗传分析。在本文中，我们建议：1)通过特定的标记定向杂交来验证这些基因座；2)鉴定在回交中也分离的一些形态基因座；3)确定与行为基因座共分离的攻击性或驯服行为的形态是否合适。我们建议为几个行为和形态基因座中的每一个建立特定的单倍型，并随后确定调节这些表型的相关基因。与公共卫生相关：无法识别人类意图是自闭症的主要组成部分之一，自闭症是一种日益重要的疾病。这项研究调查了一种动物(狐狸)模型，用于破译识别人类意图的遗传基础。同时，这个模型将提供对可能伴随这种行为障碍的形态变化(外观变化)的洞察。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This is a continuation of a pilot project to identify genetic loci that regulate behavior and morphology in the Silver Fox, V. Vulves. The project exploits two unique populations of fox developed at this institute by selecting for behavioral responses to humans: One population is tame (domesticated), the other aggressive. Recent behavioral research by Brian Hare and his colleagues has demonstrated that domestication of the wolf (dogs) and of these foxes involves the acquisition of the ability to interpret human intent from the facial expression and body language of humans. This characteristic promises to shed light on behavioral problems in humans such as autism. We have preliminary evidence identifying four genetic loci that regulate this behavior. This evidence is derived from a genetic analysis of segregant progeny derived from backcrossing aggressive into tame foxes. In this continuation we propose to: 1) Validate these loci by means of specific marker directed crosses; 2) Identify a number of morphological loci that are also segregating in this backcross; and 3) determine if morphology appropriate to aggressive or tame behaviors co-segregate with (are linked to) behavioral loci. We propose to establish specific haplotypes for each of the several behavioral and morphological loci and subsequently determine the relevant genes that regulate these phenotypes. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Inability to recognize human intent is one of the major components of autism, a disease that is becoming increasingly important. This research investigates an animal (fox) model for deciphering the genetic basis for recognition of human intent. At the same time this model will give insights into morphological change (changes in appearance) that may accompany such behavioral disorders.