We will start with some background information on genetics and neurobiology. Included will be a hands-on dissection of the nervous system of a crawfish followed by a lab exercise in electrical transmission in neurons. In introduction to each topic, there will be background lectures on relevant genetics, neurobiology, and behavior. We will consider a number of topics chosen from the following list.
1) Aggression and other anti-social behavior
- Increased aggression in mice with arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor mutations and monoamine oxidase deficiency
- Increases of aggression in human genetic conditions like monoamine oxidase deficiency (MAOA), spinocerebellar ataxia, Huntington Disease
2)
Addiction
- Alcoholism & other drugs– predisposing alleles and anti-alcoholism alleles
- Addiction to gambling and link to treatment with dopamine agonists
3) Autism spectrum
4) Intelligence-including sex and "race/ethnicity” issues
5)
Mental illness, e.g. schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder
- Molecular biology of antidepressant activity
- Antidepressants in pregnancy & rates of major malformations
6)
Nurturing, mating and affiliative behavior
- Lack of maternal nurturing in mouse mutants of FOSB, oxytocin receptor, CD38 (affecting oxytocin levels); human homologs
- Mating and affiliative behavior in voles
7)
Sex
- Genetics of mammalian sex development
- Addiction to gambling and link to treatment with dopamine agonists
8)
Religion and science
- Is religion in our genes?
- Can religion & science coexist?
We will discuss ethical, social, and legal implications of findings both in humans and non-human animals to human society. Students will read some original papers and participate in group class presentations. |
