Exploring the Genetic Background of the Differences in Nest-Building Behavior in European Rabbit.

ABSTRACT: Once a day, nursing and absentee mothering make the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) an ideal model animal for measuring differences in maternal behavior. Behavioral events and their hormonal regulation leading to parturition are well documented; however, the genetic background behind individual differences in this complex process is unknown. Decreased progesterone hormone level and the reduction of progesterone receptor activity are crucial to initiating the collection of nest material. The progesterone receptor gene is a likely candidate affecting nest-building behavior. In addition to several known point mutations in the progesterone receptor gene of the European wild rabbit, we have found a new mutation in the promoter region of the gene at 2682 T > C. Although this new singl

SUBMITTER: Benedek I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7552269 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature