Vocalization of mice influenced by a single gene in a heterogeneous population.

Abstract

The suggestion that the occurrence of audible vocalizations is affected by a single gene was tested in a pedigreed heterogeneous mouse population. Eighth (N=358) and tenth (N=980) generation heterogeneous subjects were tested. Data were compared to a single-locus model with complete dominance and to two models assuming two loci. In both replications, results were compatible with the one-locus model and different from two-loci expectations. These findings indicate that a single dominant autosomal gene affecting vocalization may be segregating in this population. Since vocalization has been implicated as important in the regulation of social behavior among mice, this single-gene effect could provide a model system for the analysis of relationships among primary gene action, social behavior, and population dynamics.