Award details

Genomic imprinting and olfactory function

Reference	S08697
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Eric Keverne
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Nicholas Allen
Institution	University of Cambridge
Department	Zoology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	261,628
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	11/05/1998
End date	31/12/2001
Duration	43 months

Abstract

Using an integrated approach which combines behaviour, neuroscience and molecular genetics we aim to investigate the role of genomic imprinting in olfactory directed behaviour. The established influence of olfaction on mate choice and aggression in mammals and our recent finding of genomic imprinting on the developing olfactory system point to the existence of a genetic mechanism for influencing these behaviours. Using chimerism and a novel cell ablation system we shall manipulate the cellular composition of the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelium such that all neurons are parthenogenetically derived (Pg cells), and therefore express only maternally derived genes. Manipulated mice will be used to investigate urine odour preferences and behaviour and how these are influenced by the parental origin of the genes that are expressed. Since the olfactory receptors are themselves hypothesised to serve both ligand detection and axon guidance, how this dual mechanism is sustained following directed ablation and regeneration will be investigated.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search