Behavioral genomics of preference: a mechanistic approach using swordtails

许多行为都是大脑中复杂的互动网络的产物。其中一些行为，如择偶，具有重要的影响，但我们对这种关键行为背后的大脑机制的理解却非常少。该项目将使用分子技术，通过检查大脑中与偏好行为相关的特定基因的表达，以及是否可以通过操纵基因表达来操纵行为，来探索配偶偏好行为的神经控制。该研究测试了PI最近的工作中得出的特定假设，该工作确定了经典配偶选择系统（剑尾鱼）中雌性偏好行为的候选基因。利用药理学、分子和神经生物学技术，研究者将测试这些基因是否(i)直接参与调节偏好反应，（ii）在不同于其他社会神经行为网络的神经通路中表达，以及（iii）解释女性偏好行为的个体间和物种间差异。本研究的预期结果将包括首次对候选基因对偏好行为影响的功能测试，阐明控制偏好行为的神经回路，以及首次对选择与强制交配系统进行机制比较。这项研究的结果将揭示脊椎动物大脑对异性社会互动的动态控制。这样的研究是理解基因对人类行为影响的基础的第一步，并可能成为进一步人类研究的催化剂。该项目也代表了动物行为和性选择领域的重大进步。该研究通过确定性选择的潜在分子和神经目标，处于性选择研究的前沿。该项目还将通过将结果整合到动物行为学的本科课程中，从而产生广泛的教育影响。

Many behaviors are the output of a complicated web of interactions in the brain. Some of these behaviors, such as mate choice, have important consequences, yet our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying this critical behavior is remarkably minimal. This project will use molecular techniques to explore the neural control of mate preference behavior by examining where in the brain specific genes associated with preference behavior are expressed, and whether behavior can be manipulated by manipulating gene expression. The research tests specific hypotheses drawn from recent work by the PI that identified candidate genes for female preference behavior in a classic mate choice system (the swordtail fish). Using pharmacological, molecular and neurobiological techniques, the investigator will test whether these genes (i) are directly involved in mediating preference response, (ii) are expressed in a neural pathway distinct from other social neural behavior networks, and (iii) account for inter-individual and inter-specific variation in female preference behavior. The expected outcome of this research will include the first functional test of candidate gene influence on preference behavior, elucidation of the neural circuitry governing preference behavior, and the first mechanistic comparison of choice versus coercion mating systems. The results of this research will shed light on the dynamic control of social interactions with the opposite sex by the vertebrate brain. Such research is a fundamental first step in understanding the influence of genes on human behavior, and will likely be a catalyst for further studies in human. The project also represents a major advancement in the field of animal behavior and sexual selection. The research is at the forefront of sexual selection studies by identifying potential molecular and neural targets for sexual selection. The project will also provide broad educational impacts through the integration of results into an undergraduate course in Animal Behavior.