A Second-Generation Device for Automated Training and Quantitative Behavior Analyses of Molecularly-Tractable Model Organisms
A Second-Generation Device for Automated Training and Quantitative Behavior Analyses of Molecularly-Tractable Model Organisms
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DOI：
10.1371/journal.pone.0014370
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发表时间：
2010-12-17
期刊：
影响因子：
3.7
通讯作者：
Levin, Michael
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Blackiston, Douglas;Shomrat, Tal;Levin, Michael
对认知过程的深入理解需要对从遗传学和神经系统结构发展到行为的步骤进行功能性定量分析。分子上易于处理的模型系统，如非洲爪蟾和涡虫提供了一个前所未有的机会，解剖的机制，确定复杂的结构的大脑和中枢神经系统。一个促进行为定量分析的标准化平台将对进化行为学、神经药理学和认知科学产生重大影响。虽然存在一些动物跟踪系统，但可用的系统不允许自动化训练（真实的反馈给个体受试者，这是操作性条件反射测定所必需的）。该领域缺乏标准化，以及开发具有必要功能的通用系统所面临的众多技术挑战，构成了将分子发育生物学实验室整合行为分析终点到其药理学和遗传学扰动中的重大障碍。在这里，我们报告了第二代系统的开发，这是一个高度灵活，功能强大的机器视觉和环境控制平台。为了使旨在了解基因在大脑功能和行为中的作用的多学科研究，并帮助其他没有设施进行复杂的工程开发的实验室，我们描述了该设备及其克服的问题。我们还提出了使用青蛙蝌蚪和扁形虫的样本数据来说明它的使用。在解决了其建设中的重大工程挑战后，由此产生的设计是一种相对廉价的工具，与多个领域具有广泛的相关性，并将加速药理学，神经生物学，再生医学和认知科学的跨学科发现。
A deep understanding of cognitive processes requires functional, quantitative analyses of the steps leading from genetics and the development of nervous system structure to behavior. Molecularly-tractable model systems such as Xenopus laevis and planaria offer an unprecedented opportunity to dissect the mechanisms determining the complex structure of the brain and CNS. A standardized platform that facilitated quantitative analysis of behavior would make a significant impact on evolutionary ethology, neuropharmacology, and cognitive science. While some animal tracking systems exist, the available systems do not allow automated training (feedback to individual subjects in real time, which is necessary for operant conditioning assays). The lack of standardization in the field, and the numerous technical challenges that face the development of a versatile system with the necessary capabilities, comprise a significant barrier keeping molecular developmental biology labs from integrating behavior analysis endpoints into their pharmacological and genetic perturbations. Here we report the development of a second-generation system that is a highly flexible, powerful machine vision and environmental control platform. In order to enable multidisciplinary studies aimed at understanding the roles of genes in brain function and behavior, and aid other laboratories that do not have the facilities to undergo complex engineering development, we describe the device and the problems that it overcomes. We also present sample data using frog tadpoles and flatworms to illustrate its use. Having solved significant engineering challenges in its construction, the resulting design is a relatively inexpensive instrument of wide relevance for several fields, and will accelerate interdisciplinary discovery in pharmacology, neurobiology, regenerative medicine, and cognitive science.