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Imprint
Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene and effects on behavior and disorders in fowl
Project
Project code: FLI-ITT-08--
Contract period: 01.01.2014
- 31.12.2016
Purpose of research: Applied research
Pharmacological studies have suggested a possible role of the central serotonin and dopamine systems in the development of feather pecking, a behavioral disorder in laying hens. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is responsible for the presynaptic re-uptake of serotonin (5-HT) and thus plays a key role in the regulation of extracellular 5-HT concentration and downstream postsynaptic responses. We identified a polymorphism in the 5´-flanking region of the chicken serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene, which is generated by deletion of four nucleotides and a single nucleotide change. The expression of the 5-HTT gene in D/D chickens was higher than that in W/W homozygous chickens. The goal of the project is to identify the molecular mechanism underlying the 5-HTT gene activation and to examine the effects of the polymorphisms on behavior and health.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
- Biotechnology
- Farm animal behaviour
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
FLI - Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry (FLI - ITT)
