Psychology Commons^™

Oxytocin And Social Affiliation: A Study Of The Genetic Underpinnings Behind Social Behavior In Rhesus Macaques, Ryno Kruger, J. Dee Higley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Studies suggest that social relationships play a critical role in physical and mental health1, with effect sizes similar to that seen for smoking and alcohol abuse. Those experiencing real or perceived social isolation show higher rates of mortality3, while those with stronger social relationships show decreased rates of mortality4. Also, genetic variation has been associated with the degree of individual sociability2. The serotonin (5-HT) and oxytocin (OT) systems are believed to influence social behavior6,2. The serotonin transporter (SERT) gene codes for efficiency of the serotonin system, with the long (L) allele associated with greater efficiency, when compared to the short …

Prenatal Androgens And The Stability Of Temperament And Anxiety: A Study Of Testosterone-Mediated Digit Ratios In Rhesus Macaques, Alexander Baxter, Dr. J. Dee Higley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Prenatal androgen exposure (PAE) is the organizational force that masculinizes the brain. It has impact on other parts of the body as well. For example, PAE induces growth in the ring finger. Consequently, the pointer-to-ring-finger digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) is frequently used to assess PAE.¹ Though this phenotype is sexually dimorphic, research indicates that PAE’s effect on digit ratio may be in the opposite direction when comparing humans and nonhuman primates.²² Very few studies have investigated 2D:4D ratio in rhesus macaques (Macacca mulatta), and to our knowledge, none have reported a sex difference in digit ratio. The purpose …

Oxytocin And Infant Development: A Study Of The Genetic Underpinnings Behind Social Behavior In Rhesus Macaques, Spencer Waters, James Dee Higley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

It is widely accepted that the neuropeptide oxytocin helps mediate pro-social behavior and bonding between humans as well as other primates. Current genetic research has shown a link between variants in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and measures of social skills in humans. Demonstrating a link between oxytocin genotype and sociality, implies biological underpinnings for social bonding and affiliation in both human and nonhuman primates, suggesting that neurophysiological mechanisms may function to modulate a wide variety of social behaviors.

Gene X Environment Interactions In Rhesus Macaques: A Test Of The Orchid-¬‐Dandelion Hypothesis, S. Andrew Aston, J. Dee Higley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Aston, S. Andrew Gene x Environment Interactions in Rhesus Macaques: A test of the Orchid-­‐Dandelion Hypothesis Faculty Mentor: J. Dee Higley, Department of Psychology Numerous studies have shown that certain gene variants produce distinct phenotypes based on the environment in which an individual develops. Many of these so called gene-­‐by-­‐environment (GxE) interactions lead to an increased risk of developing psychopathology. The Orchid-­‐ Dandelion Hypothesis posits that risk alleles have been conserved to the present day, suggesting that although risk alleles may prove deleterious in many environments, under the right conditions, such variants may bestow an evolutionary advantage. For my ORCA …

Maoa Genotype X Environment Interaction And Influence On Monoamine Neurotransmitter Functioning In Rhesus Macaques (Macaca Mulatta), Daniel Loveland, Dr. J. Dee Higley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Original Project Title: Why can’t we all just get along? MAOa genotype variation is associated with aggressive temperaments in nonhuman primates

In place of studying behavior differences among rhesus monkeys with differing MAOa genotypes, my research group and I chose to analyze the effects of genes and the environment on brain chemistry.