Genetic clues to the evolution of social behaviors in humans and domesticated species can be found in the genetics of the fish.
The research looked at genetically modified fish that didn't make the baz1bProtein. The results suggest that the key to physical and behavioral changes in fish and other domesticated species are the genes.
Dogs and cats show genetic differences compared to their wild counterparts. Smaller facial features such as skulls and teeth, as well as being more socio positive, less aggressive, and having less fear are correlated with genetic changes.
Modern humans are thought to have domesticated themselves after they split from their extinct relatives. We experienced the same physical and behavioral changes.
The changes have been linked to the fact that domesticated animals don't have the same type of stem cell as wild animals.
The Queen Mary team is studying the impact of removing baz1b genes on neural crest development and social behavior.
The zebrafish with functional baz1b were found to be more socially prone than the Mutant one. There was an increased tendency to interact with members of the same species.
The zebrafish had facial changes in later life that were different from the normal ones. Altered eye length and width, a jutting forehead, and a shorter snout were included. The behavior was accompanied by reduced anxiety.
The researchers looked at the response of the fish to a brief flash of light, as well as their response to an acoustic startle and their response when exposed to a new environment. The Mutant zebrafish recovered more quickly after a change in condition.
Mild under- development of the neural crest was seen in the Mutant zebrafish.
The domestication syndrome in other species is impacted by the baz1b genes, according to the research.
The process of self-domestication, which allowed modern humans to form larger social groups, is similar to the process of domestication in other domestic situations.
The research shows that the development of neural crest stem cells can be traced to the behavioral changes that came with domestication.
The study offers an interesting perspective into the origins of how we interact with one another. Comparative studies such as these give insight into the evolution of human cognitive function.
About 80% of genes associated with human diseases have a corresponding orthologue in a different species that evolved from a common ancestor, making zebrafish an ideal model in which to study the genetics.
The domestication syndrome is caused by baz1b loss-of-function in zebrafish. The article is titled "Isci.2022.105704".
Journal information: iScience
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