Hippocampus erectus brain RNAseq

The goal of this study was to characterize monogamous behavior in the lined seahorse, Hippocampus erectus. Seahorses are believed to be monogamous, although that has not been confirmed in controlled laboratory studies. In this series of experiments were assessed the formation of a pair bond between male and female seahorses then extracted RNA from their brains to assess differential gene expression. Ultimately, we hope to determine the genetic and neurochemical factors that underly the evolution of this complex social behavior.