Selection for tameness, a key behavioral trait of domestication, increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis in foxes

摘要: Work on laboratory and wild rodents suggests that domestication may impact the extent of adult hippocampal neurogenesis its responsiveness to regulatory factors. There is, however, no model their nondomesticated conspecifics would allow a controlled comparison effect domestication. Here, we present within-species in farm-bred foxes (Vulpes vulpes) differ genetically determined degree tameness. Quantitative comparisons cell proliferation (Ki67) differentiating cells neuronal lineage (doublecortin, DCX) hippocampus were performed as proxy for neurogenesis. Higher was observed tameness-selected foxes, notably an extended subgranular zone middle temporal compartments hippocampus. Increased is negatively associated with aggressive behavior. Across all animals, strong septotemporal gradients found, higher numbers proliferating young neurons relative resident granule than septal The opposite gradient found ratio DCX/Ki67- positive cells. When unselected are compared primates, similar, while number higher. difference be mediated by period differentiation or rate survival. On background this species-specific neurogenic pattern, selection single behavioral trait key domestication, i.e., genetic tameness, accompanied global region-specific increases