Emotion is a complex psychological trait. Its function is to moderate an organisms response to stress. The mouse contains several number of attributes which have proven useful to genetic research. These comprise of short gestation period, an early puberty, a short oestrus cycle and their propensity to produce large litters. These factors, along with directed mating and firm environmental control make the mouse an invaluable tool for complex trait classification. There are a variety of behavioural phenotypes that are currently used as informative procedures of the organism’s emotionality profile. The most widely used experiment is the open-field apparatus; a circular white, brightly lit and fully enclosed arena, within which behaviour can be tenuously monitored. Negative correlation is exhibited by defecation and ambulation, based on observations that intense fear can result such behaviour. A recent behavioural analysis of more nearly 1700 mice showed that five genetically separable composite measures of anxiety were identified. Quantitative trait loci (OTL) were found to contribute towards variance of the measures.
By Pratyusha Krishna Mirajkar
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References
1) Mackay, T.F.C.(2004) Complementing Complexity, Nature Genetics, 36(11) 1145-1147
2) Willis-Owen S.A.G, Flint J. (2006) The genetic basis of emotional behaviour in mice, European Journal of Human Genetics, 14, 721–728
