A Common and Unstable Copy Number Variant Is Associated with Differences in Glo1 Expression and Anxiety-Like Behavior
2009

Glo1 Duplication Linked to Anxiety in Mice

Sample size: 901 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Williams Richard IV, Lim Jackie E., Harr Bettina, Wing Claudia, Walters Ryan, Distler Margaret G., Teschke Meike, Wu Chunlei, Wiltshire Tim, Su Andrew I., Sokoloff Greta, Tarantino Lisa M., Borevitz Justin O., Palmer Abraham A.

Primary Institution: University of Chicago

Hypothesis

Does a common duplication of the Glo1 gene affect anxiety-like behavior in mice?

Conclusion

The study found that a duplication of the Glo1 gene is associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • The presence of the Glo1 duplication was significantly associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in multiple tests.
  • Behavioral data from 901 mice showed that those with the duplication spent less time in the center of an open field, indicating higher anxiety.
  • Gene expression analysis confirmed that Glo1 expression was higher in mice with the duplication.

Takeaway

Mice with a specific gene duplication tend to be more anxious, which helps scientists understand how genes can affect behavior.

Methodology

The study used Affymetrix exon arrays to detect copy number variants in inbred mouse strains and analyzed their relationship to Glo1 expression and anxiety-like behavior.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the use of inbred strains, which may not represent the broader genetic diversity found in wild populations.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable to all populations due to the specific strains used.

Participant Demographics

The study involved various inbred mouse strains and outbred CD-1 mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004649

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication