Education
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Undergraduate Degree: Undergraduate Institution: Undergraduate Major: |
Bachelor of Science Michigan State University Psychology/Behavioral Genetics |
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Degree Program at FSU: Major Professor: |
Ph.D. Dr. Zuoxin Wang |
Research
Interest/Philosophy
My current research focuses on examining the underlying neural mechanisms of mating induced selective aggression in male and female voles (both monogamous and non-monogamous species). In the past two decades several investigators have used the vole model to study the neural, chemical, and genetic underpinnings of partner preference as an index of pair bonding. However, little is known about the neural circuitry, chemistry, and molecular genetic underpinnings of the maintenance of pair bonding. One of the most classical behaviors associated with the maintenance of pair bonding is the onset of selective aggression; where an animal will display intense selective aggression to any other conspecific animal (male or female) except with their familiar partner. Central neurochemicals dopamine, vasopressin, and serotonin in discrete brains areas including but not limited to the lateral septum, medial amygdala, anterior hypothalamus, and nucleus accumbens have been shown to play a significant role in aggressive behavior in several human, primate, and rodent species. Therefore, I am currently investigating the neural circuitry and neurochemistry associated with mating induced selective aggression in voles.
Techniques
In the laboratory, I employ behavioral testing (partner preference and resident intruder paradigms), immunocytochemistry (single, double, and triple fluorescence), scanning confocal/stereological microscopy, microdialysis, tract tracing, in-situ hybridization, receptor autoradiography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, high-performance-liquid-chromatography, and behavioral pharmacology.
Collaborative Efforts
In collaboration with scientists at Michigan State University and University of California-Los Angeles, I participate in examining the genetic and environmental influences on the relationships between steroid hormones and sexually dimorphic behavior (including mental disease) during important developmental time periods, such as prenatal/perinatal/pubertal development, using both human and animal models. In addition to these efforts, we are also interested in the role of both environmental and biological influences on sex differentiation and orientation.
Publications
Undergraduate
- Gobrogge, K.L., Baker, J.H., & Klump, K.L. (2003). Relationships between Disordered Eating, Depressive Symptoms, Personality, and Body Mass Index in Males. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 34(1), 14.
- Gobrogge, K.L. & Klump, K.L. (2003). Homosexual Mating Behavior from an Evolutionary Perspective. Behavior Genetics, 33(6), 703.
- Gobrogge, K.L., Nummy, K.A, Friderici, K.H., & Klump, K.L. (2004). Lack of an Association between 5-HT2A-Serotonin Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Disordered Eating in Women. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 35(4), 417.
- Morris, J.A., Gobrogge, K.L., Jordan, C.L., & Breedlove, S.M. (2004). Brain Aromatase: Dyed-in-the-Wool Homosexuality. Endocrinology, 145(2), 475-7. PDF
- Klump, K.L. & Gobrogge, K.L. (2005). A Review and Primer of Molecular Genetic Studies of Anorexia Nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 37, S43-S48. PDF
- Klump, K.L., Gobrogge, K.L., Perkins, P.S., Thorne, D., Sisk, C., & Breedlove, S.M. (2006). PreliminaryEvidence that Gonadal Hormones Organize and Activate Disordered Eating. Psychological Medicine, 36(4), 539-46. PDF
- Gobrogge, K.L., Perkins, P.S., Baker, J.H., Balcer, K.D., Breedlove, S.M. & Klump, K.L. (2007). Homosexual Mating Preferences from an Evolutionary Perspective: Sexual Selection Theory Revisited.Archives of Sexual Behavior, 36(5), 717-23. PDF / Link
- Gobrogge, K.L., Breedlove, S.M., & Klump, K.L, (2008). Genetic and Environmental Influences on Finger-Length Ratios: A Study of Monozygotic and Dizygotic Male and Female Twins. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 37(1), 112-8 PDF
- Martel, M.M., Gobrogge, K.L., Breedlove, S.M., & Nigg, J.T. (2008). Masculinized Finger Length Ratios of Boys, but not Girls, are Associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Behavioral Neuroscience, 122(2), 273-81. PDF
Graduate
- Aragona, B.J., Detwiler, J.M., Dietz, D.M., Gobrogge, K.L., Kabbaj, M., & Wang, Z.X. (2005). Pair Bonding Decreases the Reward Value of Abused Drugs. Hormones and Behavior, 48(1), 87.
- Detwiler, J.M., Aragona, B.J., Gobrogge, K.L., & Wang, Z.X. (2005). Sex Differences in Amphetamine Induced Place Preferences in Prairie Voles. Hormones and Behavior, 48(1), 97.
- Gobrogge, K.L., Liu, Y., Jia, X., & Wang, Z.X. (2007). Anterior Hypothalamic Neural Activation and Neurochemical Associations with Aggression in Pair Bonded Male Prairie Voles. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 502, 1109-22. PDF
- Gobrogge, K.L., Liu, Y., & Wang, Z.X. (2008). Dopamine Regulation of Pair Bonding in Monogamous Prairie Voles. In R.S. Bridges (Ed.) The Neurobiology of the Parental Mind, Chapter 22, 345-58, Elsevier, San Diego, CA. PDF
Talks
Invited
- Gobrogge, K.L. (December 2005). The Neurobiology of Love and War: Mating-Induced Selective Aggression in the Monogamous Male Prairie Vole. Prince Henry Medical Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia.
- Gobrogge, K.L. (March 2006). Sex, Fidelity, and Violence: Mating-Induced Selective Aggression in the Monogamous Male Prairie Vole. Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon.
- Gobrogge, K.L. (October 2007). Sex, Fidelity, and Violence: The Neurobiology of Love and War. Tallahassee Center for Inquiry, FL.
Other
Neuroscience Mentoring/Community Outreach
In collaboration with several students and faculty at FSU and throughout Florida, we engage in a number of scientific outreach efforts. These include an annual brain bee for high school students, brain awareness week for K-12 students, families, educators, and administrators, as well as a neuroscience student mentoring program, and statewide traveling brain museum and neuroanatomy training program. If interested in learning more about and/or participating in any of the above activities please feel free to contact me via e-mail or by phone.
Outside Interests
Art; functional, abstract, and performance