Behavioral Phenotyping

Discover the comprehensive behavioral phenotyping services the Mouse Biology Program offers to thoroughly characterize the behavioral abnormalities in your genetically altered or disease-model mice.


Genetically altered mutant mice or diseased model mice may develop significant behavioral abnormalities due to their induced mutation or pathology. MBP has a full-service behavioral core facility dedicated to assisting research scientists in characterizing their mouse models for developmental delay, reduced executive and motor functions, and complex neurological disorders such as anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia.

Standardized behavioral tests are available for “high-throughput” screening of mutants to quickly and efficiently detect abnormalities in memory, motivation, learning, cognitive, motor, and sensorimotor functions. These tests provide reliable and reproducible results, allowing researchers to assess various behavioral and neurological phenotypes. MBP’s behavioral core employs advanced techniques like open field testing, elevated plus maze, rotarod, and Morris water maze, among others, to evaluate mice’s anxiety, motor coordination, spatial learning, and memory.

Furthermore, customizable behavioral assays are available to address specific research questions, enabling tailored approaches to study complex behavioral phenotypes. These services are designed to support researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of genetic modifications or diseases on behavior and cognition, thereby advancing studies in neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions.


Computational, interpretative, and consulting services are all available upon request.


General Screening
  • Functional Observation Battery (SHIRPA)
  • Metabolic phenotyping
  • Open Field
Neuromotor Function
  • Rota-Rod
  • Grip Strength
  • Gait Analysis
Anxiety
  • Elevated Plus Maze
  • Fear Conditioning
  • Startle
Social Behavior
  • Social Dyadic Interaction
  • Resident/Intruder
  • Nesting Behavior
Cognition
  • Mazes (Morris Water, Y Maze, Elevated, etc.)
  • Novel Object Recognition
  • Passive Avoidance/Fear Conditioning
  • Sensory Gaiting
Sensory
  • Startle
  • Acoustic Brainstem Response
  • Eye Exam
  • Nociception (cold/hot plate, Von Frey, Hargreaves, Tail Flick Test)