Project description:Genetic variation is known to contribute to the variation of animal social behavior, but the molecular mechanisms that lead to behavioral differences are still not fully understood. Here, we investigate the cellular evolution of the hypothalamic medial preoptic area (MPOA), a brain region that plays a critical role in social behavior, across two sister species of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus and P. polionotus) with divergent social systems. These two species exhibit large differences in mating and parental care behavior across species and sex. Using single-nucleus RNA-sequencing, we build a molecular atlas of the MPOA for males and females of both Peromyscus species.
Project description:Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing in primary fibroblasts of outbred Peromyscus maniculatus was generated to explore the degree of coordination in gene expression.
Project description:Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing in brain tissue was generated to explore differences between young and old animals of two closely related species of deer mice (genus Peromyscus) that reportedly differ in their lifespans: P. leucopus that lives for up to 8 years and P. maniculatus that exhibits a lifespan of about 4 years.
