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Epigenetic sources of behavioral differences in mice

Nature Neuroscience volume 6, pages 445–446 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Inbred mouse strains are classically used to search for the genes associated with behavioral traits, including emotionality. To distinguish genetic and environmental contributions to the expression of adult behavior in mice, we investigated the effects of prenatal (embryo transfer) and postnatal (cross-fostering) environments in two strains of inbred mice with profound and reliable differences in behavior1. Here we report that strain-related behavioral differences may result from environmental factors during development rather than genetic differences between the offspring.

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Figure 1: Open-field, elevated-plus maze, water-maze learning and pre-pulse inhibition behavior.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank T. Etzel for assistance with animal care, and Cure Autism Now and the National Science Foundation IBN 9876754 for support.

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Author notes

  1. Thomas R. Insel

    Present address: NIMH, 6001 Executive Blvd. Room 8235, MSC 9669, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Yerkes Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta, 30329, Georgia, USA

    Darlene D. Francis, Kathleen Szegda & Thomas R. Insel

  2. Transgenic Mouse Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Whitehead Research Building, Atlanta, 30329, Georgia, USA

    Gregory Campbell & W. David Martin

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, 30329, Georgia, USA

    Thomas R. Insel

Authors
  1. Darlene D. Francis
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  2. Kathleen Szegda
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  3. Gregory Campbell
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  4. W. David Martin
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  5. Thomas R. Insel
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Correspondence to Thomas R. Insel.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Francis, D., Szegda, K., Campbell, G. et al. Epigenetic sources of behavioral differences in mice. Nat Neurosci 6, 445–446 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1038

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