The objectives of the Mouse Neurobehavior Core are three-fold. The first is to provide training in the use of mouse behavioral assays. The second goal is to provide access to the Neurobehavior core for MRDDRC investigators interested in determining if there are behavioral abnormalities in their mutant mice. MRDDRC investigators will have two options available to them for the behavioral analyses of their mutant mice. Investigators will be able to either test their own mice, or they will be able to utilize core services to perform the behavioral analyses for them. The third objective is to provide training in experimental design and statistical analyses that is customized for the mutant mouse behavioral analyses.

Figure 1. Delay-dependent contextual fear conditioning impairment in Fmr2 mutant mice. (A) The initial screen indicated that Fmr2 KO mice had impaired contextual and auditory cue conditioned fear. (B) The initial findings were replicated in an independent batch of animals. Fmr2 mutant mice Had normal conditioned fear responses when tested after a short-term (C ) but not a long-term delay Interval (D).

The past decade has seen the definition of large families and super-families of neural genes whose related but different sequences provide great opportunity if we can understand their functions and exploit their diversity. There can be no doubt that a major challenge still facing modern neurobiology is the understanding of gene function. Institutions concerned with the critical issues of mental health and retardation are now looking beyond cloning and into the structure and function of the proteins encoded by these newly discovered sequences and the roles these proteins play in the development and behavior of the individual.

While the ability of laboratories to use genetic and molecular techniques for generating mutant mouse models of mental retardation has become more routine, the ability to perform comprehensive analyses of the behavioral responses of these mutant mice is still expensive, requires numerous pieces of specialized equipment and specially designed laboratory space, and proper training in the use of the equipment, experimental design, and statistical analyses. It is the purpose of the Neurobehavior Core to provide access to a facility that is already equipped with the specialized equipment for behavioral studies, and the proper training to help ensure the successful analysis of the mutant mice generated by MRDDRC investigators.

The primary purpose of the MRDDRC Neurobehavior Core is to provide MRDDRC investigators with a battery of assays that will provide initial insight into the behavioral consequences of a specific mutation. In addition, the Neurobehavior Core will also provide access and training on the use of other behavioral assays that will allow an MRDDRC investigator to perform critical secondary or follow-up studies which are important to better understand the nature of any behavioral abnormality detected with the primary behavioral test battery.

© 2003 Baylor College of Medicine - Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Center
Phone: (713) 798-7353    Fax: (713) 798-8704    Houston, Texas 77030    E-mail: mrddrc@bcm.tmc.edu
Modified November 25, 2003