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延续，旨在确定银狐，V. Vulves的行为和形态调节基因位点。该项目利用了该研究所培育的两种独特的狐狸种群，通过选择它们对人类的行为反应：一种是驯服的（驯化的），另一种是好斗的。Brian Hare和他的同事们最近的行为研究表明，狼（狗）和这些狐狸的驯化包括从人类的面部表情和肢体语言中获得解读人类意图的能力。这一特征有望揭示人类的行为问题，如自闭症。我们有初步证据确定了控制这种行为的四个基因位点。这一证据来自于对具有侵略性的狐狸回交到温顺狐狸的分离后代的遗传分析。在这篇文章中，我们建议：1)通过特定标记定向杂交来验证这些基因座；2)鉴定若干在回交中也有分离的形态位点；3)确定适合攻击性或驯服行为的形态学是否与行为位点共同分离（与之相关）。我们建议为每个行为和形态位点建立特定的单倍型，并随后确定调节这些表型的相关基因。公共卫生相关性：无法识别人类意图是自闭症的主要组成部分之一，这是一种越来越重要的疾病。本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。与此同时，该模型将对可能伴随这种行为障碍的形态变化（外观变化）提供见解。

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.