Genetic Analysis of the Stereotypic Phenotype in Peromyscus maniculatus (deer mice)

Abstract

Peromyscus maniculatus, including the laboratory stock BW, have been used as a model organism for autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder because of the high occurrence of stereotypy. Several studies have identified neurological and environmental components of the phenotype; however, the heritability of the phenotype has not been examined. This study characterizes the incidence and heritability of vertical jumping stereotypy (VS) and backflipping (BF) behavior in the BW stock of the Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, which are indicative of autism spectrum disorders. In addition, interspecies crosses between P. maniculatus and P. polionotus were also performed to further dissect genetically stereotypic behavior. The inheritance pattern of VS suggests that multiple genes result in a quantitative trait with low VS being dominant over high VS. The inheritance pattern of BF suggests that fewer genes are involved, with one allele causing BF in a dominant fashion. An association analysis in BW could reveal the underlying genetic loci associated with stereotypy in P. maniculatus, especially for the BF behavior.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders; Genetic analysis; Obsessive–compulsive disorder; Peromyscus; Stereotypy.