A team of neuroscience researchers was left really surprised after a gene-editing experiment created hyper- aggressive hamsters, according to a statement by Georgia State University.
The biology behind the social behavior of mammals is the subject of a research published by GSU.
The scientists used Syrian hamsters and a revolutionary technology that makes it possible to turn on or off genes in cells. The technology knocked out a hormone associated with aggression.
The scientists thought that changing the social behavior of the Syrian hamsters would make them more peaceful. They had expected it to change their behavior, but it didn't.
The lead author of the study, a GSU professor, said they were surprised by the results.
Albers said that they anticipated that if they eliminated vasopressin activity, they would reduce aggression and social communication.
The study said that the hamsters without the receptor displayed high levels of aggression towards hamsters of the same sex.
Albers said that this suggests a startling conclusion, even though we know that vasopressin increases social behaviors by acting within a number of brain regions.
Albers said that the scientists don't understand the system as well as they thought.
It was not easy to develop gene-edited hamsters. A better understanding of the role of vasopressin in social behavior is vital to helping scientists identify new treatment strategies for psychiatric disorders in humans.
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