# Evolutionary approaches to identify genetic architecture regulating aggression

> **NIH NIH R35** · FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $1,577

## Abstract

The overarching goal of my research program is to understand how naturally occurring genetic
variation results in evolved differences in behaviors. To examine these relationships, it is
imperative to have a model organism that is both genetically and behaviorally variable, as well
as genetically accessible. Natural populations have evolved an extraordinary diversity of
behaviors. Developing and applying functional genetic tools and genomic resources to
organisms from these natural populations provides an opportunity to uncover the mechanisms
by which natural selection has produced these behavioral differences. Further, these
approaches may provide general insights into the molecular and genetic bases of social
behaviors in other species, such as humans. The blind Mexican cavefish has evolved a variety
of morphological, physiological and behavioral traits, including reductions in social behaviors
like aggression, relative to surface fish of the same species. My laboratory has focused on
establishing methods to identify and functionally validate the role of naturally occurring genetic
variants in cavefish behavioral evolution. The research program outlined here will leverage this
evolutionary system to identify the genetic architecture underlying within-population differences
in aggression, and to test the mechanisms by which differences in aggression evolve. Utilizing
genetic mapping approaches, we will identify and functionally test candidate genes for
aggressive behavior. Further, using integrative approaches, we determine the mechanisms by
which naturally occurring genetic variants impact behavior. Together, this research program will
provide important insights into the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying variability in
complex behaviors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10242876
- **Project number:** 5R35GM138345-02
- **Recipient organization:** FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Johanna E. Kowalko
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,577
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-08-20 → 2021-08-13

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10242876

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10242876, Evolutionary approaches to identify genetic architecture regulating aggression (5R35GM138345-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10242876. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*