Detailed analysis of paternal knockout Grb10 mice suggests effects on stability of social behavior, rather than social dominance

Kira D.A. Rienecker, Alexander T. Chavasse, Kim Moorwood, Andrew Ward, Anthony R. Isles

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (SciVal)
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Abstract

Imprinted genes are highly expressed in monoaminergic regions of the midbrain and their functions in this area are thought to have an impact on mammalian social behaviors. One such imprinted gene is Grb10, of which the paternal allele is generally recognized as mediating social dominance behavior. However, there has been no detailed study of social dominance in Grb10 +/p mice. Moreover, the original study examined tube-test behavior in isolated mice 10 months of age. Isolation testing favors more territorial and aggressive behaviors, and does not address social dominance strategies employed in group housing contexts. Furthermore, isolation stress impacts midbrain function and dominance related behavior, often through alterations in monoaminergic signaling. Thus, we undertook a systematic study of Grb10 +/p social rank and dominance behavior within the cage group, using a number of convergent behavioral tests. We examined both male and female mice to account for sex differences and tested cohorts aged 2, 6 and 10 months to examine any developments related to age. We found group-housed Grb10 +/p mice do not show evidence of enhanced social dominance, but cages containing Grb10 +/p and wild-type mice lacked the normal correlation between three different measures of social rank. Moreover, a separate study indicated isolation stress induced inconsistent changes in tube test behavior. Taken together, these data suggest future research on Grb10 +/p mice should focus on the stability of social behaviors, rather than dominance per se.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere12571
JournalGenes, Brain and Behavior
Volume19
Issue number1
Early online date29 Apr 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020

Bibliographical note

© 2019 The Authors. Genes, Brain and Behavior published by International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

  • age
  • barbering
  • genomic imprinting
  • social dominance
  • social isolation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Neurology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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