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，以确定调节银狐，V. Vulves的行为和形态的遗传位点。该项目利用了该研究所通过选择对人类的行为反应而开发的两个独特的狐狸种群：一个种群是驯服的（驯化的），另一个是攻击性的。布莱恩·黑尔和他的同事最近的行为研究表明，狼（狗）和这些狐狸的驯化涉及从人类的面部表情和肢体语言中解读人类意图的能力的获得。这一特征有望揭示人类的行为问题，如自闭症。我们有初步的证据确定四个基因位点，调节这种行为。这一证据来自于一个遗传分析的分离后代来自回交侵略到驯服的狐狸。在这一延续中，我们提出：1）通过特异性标记定向杂交来鉴定这些基因座; 2）鉴定在该回交中也分离的许多形态学基因座;以及3）确定适于攻击或驯服行为的形态学是否与行为基因座共分离（连锁）。我们建议建立特定的单倍型的几个行为和形态位点，并随后确定相关的基因，调节这些表型。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，自闭症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，用于破译人类意图识别的遗传基础。与此同时，该模型将深入了解可能伴随此类行为障碍的形态变化（外观变化）。

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.