Genetic testing for illness with no cure

BIOL 209 Annotated Bibliography Example

1. APA-style Citation of the article

Smith A.J. et al. (2021). A genetic basis for friendship? Homophily for membrane-associated PDE11A-cAMP-CREB

signaling in CA1 of hippocampus dictates mutual social preference in male and female mice. Molecular Psychiatry,

26, 7107 – 7117. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01237-4

2. Describe the research question or problem addressed in this paper

Previous studies have shown that friendships can have physical and mental benefits including a reduction in

mortality and morbidity risks and cognitive declines. Although these benefits are evident, the neurobiological

mechanisms underlying them are not. Additionally, long-term friendships are seen in different species allowing for

the use of a model organism to study the molecular mechanisms in a controlled experiment. This research uses a

model mouse to determine if the genetics of PDE11A is important in establishing friendships.

3. Describe the methods

a. What subjects were used

Adolescent and adult female and male pde11a knockout mice and BALB/cJ mice were used. C57BL/6 were

referenced from prior experiments.

b. What experiments were performed

The following experiments were used to obtain results: Immunofluorescence of PDE11A4 in brain samples,

Western blots of PDE11A4 and actin, social approach/avoidance, social preference assay (mouse psychiatry

assay), social odor detection and preference, PDE activity and stereotactic surgeries targeting CA1 of

hippocampus.

NOTE: This can be detailed or an overview, but make sure you state all subjects (all, genotype, sex and

samples, if possible) and all experiments.

4. List a minimum of 3 main findings, conclusions, or main points

a. Include the figure/table from results, if necessary

 The genetic background of the mice affect the social preference of mouse vs object. C57BL/6 had reduced social approach and BALB/cJ had a change in the social preference.

 In adult and adolescent mice, regardless of sex, Pde11a genotype dictates mutual social preference. KO mice rather interact with other KO mice than WT mice.

 PDE11A homophily is a driver of mutual social preference, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. NOTE: These statements should come from the results and/or discussion of the paper. Make sure they make sense and are not repetitive. You may have to elaborate briefly.

5. State the relevance of these conclusions to your project

I am trying to find the reasons why certain people has lasting friendship and others are short-lived. This study states that there are genetic basis to different similarities in people like alcoholism. Additionally, it shows that the genotype for pde11a can be a contributing factor. This will allow me to potentially identify other molecular mechanisms of friendships.

NOTE: Discuss the reason(s) you chose this article and how the contents relate to your project.

6. State the relevance of these conclusions to the field

I think this research will allow researchers to make genetic connections between friendships that could be linked to the physical and mental benefits experiences. Additionally, the authors think that it is possible to develop markers that predict compatibility. Imagine the new “online” dating profiles if this becomes a reality!

NOTE: Discuss the implications the results/conclusions have to the overall field of study. How does it advance the field and/or science?