Presentation Details
| Genetic Architecture of Canine Behavior in a Population of Retrievers (Canis lupus familiaris) Gitanjali E.Gnanadesikan1, 2, Emily E.Bray1, 3, Noah Snyder-Mackler4, Lorelei Switzer1, Noah Stetson1, Mia Toll1, Stephanie Hargrave1, Daniel J.Horschler1, Laura E.L.C.Douglas3, Theadora Block3, Brenda S.Kennedy3, Kerinne M.Levy3, Marina M.Watowich4, 5, Evan L.MacLean1. 1University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.2Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.3Canine Companions, Santa Rosa, CA, USA.4Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.5Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA |
Abstract
Studies in dogs have revealed the genetic bases of many morphological and disease phenotypes, but behavioral variation remains relatively unexplained. To explore genetic contributions to cognitive and behavioral traits, we conducted whole-genome sequencing and behavioral testing on 1,084 dogs, including five tasks measuring aspects of temperament, social behavior, and executive function. We identified 46 genetic variants associated with these traits (p < 1.49 × 10⁻⁶), some in genes with known neurological functions; these variants explained a small fraction of the variance captured by all markers, suggesting a highly polygenic architecture for behavior. Enrichment analyses identified overlap between genes associated with boldness in dogs and genes linked to sensitive temperament in humans, as well as between dog social behavior and human extraversion (q < 0.05). Cross-validated polygenic scores showed small-to-moderate correlations with observed behavioral phenotypes (0.08 ≤ r ≤ 0.28). Our results point to an evolutionarily conserved and highly polygenic genetic architecture for cognitive and behavioral traits in dogs and demonstrate the feasibility of genomic prediction.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Content Locked. Log into a registered attendee account to access this presentation.