Mammalian sociogenomics
The socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) has
emerged as one of the preeminent animal models for elucidating the
genetic and neurobiological mechanisms governing complex social
behavior. Full genome sequence as well as other genomic tools will
ensure that the prairie vole maintains it current trajectory to become one of the most powerful animal models for
basic and translational research with direct implications for human
mental health. Genomics Initiative News
7/10/2008: We have submitted a white paper proposal to convince NHGRI to generate a draft assembly of the prairie vole genome. For more information about this project, contact Dr. Larry J. Young.7/1/2008: Zoe Donaldson, in collaboration with Anthony Chan and Shang-Hsun Yang, has successfully generated the first transgenic vole! Within the last few years, lentiviral techniques have been optimized to introduce transgenes into embryos with high efficiency in multiple species. Using this technology, we have generated a line of voles that expresses GFP driven by the ubiquitin promoter. This powerful technology will allow us to test hypotheses regarding gene regulation and social behavior. See More ...
The following genomic resources are currently being developed for the scientific community: