Genetic Correlates of Individual Differences in Sleep Behavior of Free-Living Great Tits (Parus major)

Bibliographic Details
Title: Genetic Correlates of Individual Differences in Sleep Behavior of Free-Living Great Tits (Parus major)
Authors: Erica F. Stuber, Christine Baumgartner, Niels J. Dingemanse, Bart Kempenaers, Jakob C. Mueller
Source: G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, Vol 6, Iss 3, Pp 599-607 (2016)
Publisher Information: Oxford University Press, 2016.
Publication Year: 2016
Collection: LCC:Genetics
Subject Terms: candidate gene, circadian rhythm, genotype-phenotype association, repeatability, sleep, Genetics, QH426-470
More Details: Within populations, free-living birds display considerable variation in observable sleep behaviors, reflecting dynamic interactions between individuals and their environment. Genes are expected to contribute to repeatable between-individual differences in sleep behaviors, which may be associated with individual fitness. We identified and genotyped polymorphisms in nine candidate genes for sleep, and measured five repeatable sleep behaviors in free-living great tits (Parus major), partly replicating a previous study in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Microsatellites in the CLOCK and NPAS2 clock genes exhibited an association with sleep duration relative to night length, and morning latency to exit the nest box, respectively. Furthermore, microsatellites in the NPSR1 and PCSK2 genes associated with relative sleep duration and proportion of time spent awake at night, respectively. Given the detection rate of associations in the same models run with random markers instead of candidate genes, we expected two associations to arise by chance. The detection of four associations between candidate genes and sleep, however, suggests that clock genes, a clock-related gene, or a gene involved in the melanocortin system, could play key roles in maintaining phenotypic variation in sleep behavior in avian populations. Knowledge of the genetic architecture underlying sleep behavior in the wild is important because it will enable ecologists to assess the evolution of sleep in response to selection.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2160-1836
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2160-1836
DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.024216
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/25e733c295d04e3a9a4407c009309cc3
Accession Number: edsdoj.25e733c295d04e3a9a4407c009309cc3
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:21601836
DOI:10.1534/g3.115.024216
Published in:G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics
Language:English