Digging for genes that affect behavior

Understanding which genes affect behavior, and how the resultant proteins work in the brain, remains a major challenge in biology. To address this goal, we are capitalizing on natural variation in behavior within and between species of wild mice. In this talk, Dr. Hoekstra will focus on an innate behavior, burrowing, which produces an intriguing and complex animal architecture. Dr. Hoekstra will present data from both he lab and the field that allow us a first glimpse into the genetics and neurobiology of behavioral evolution.