SensiTrak: Automated Assessment of Forelimb Sensation

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Project Abstract Current common methods for measuring somatosensory function in preclinical rodent models generally rely on withdrawal responses to uncomfortable or painful stimuli. These tests can be stressful to the animal, while also yielding a high variability in measured responses, and repetitive testing in longitudinal models may even result in chronic pain states. To better understand the connection between physiology and perception of touch and proprioception, researchers need a modern, off-the-shelf assessment system to administer and quantify trained, volitional behaviors. Under this Phase II STTR project, Vulintus, Inc. will continue to develop and validate ‘SensiTrak,’ an automated, high-throughput behavioral system designed to finely measure somatosensory function in rodent models. SensiTrak meets the needs of somatosensory-focused researchers by supporting complex, electromechanical feedback interactions with animals, with interchangeable task modules, behavioral peripherals, and open-source control software. Vulintus’ Phase II activities included finalization and certification of a common controller and modules for assessing tactile, vibration, and proprioception discrimination thresholds. Concurrently, SensiTrak systems will undergo beta testing at two different laboratories at Columbia University and the Winifred Masterson Burke Medical Research Institute. Beta testing will help establish the reliability and utility of SensiTrak assessments and will guide the development of protocols for other laboratories to follow when adopting SensiTrak in their research. At the conclusion of this Phase II, a fully developed SensiTrak product line will provide researchers with unprecedented capabilities to reliably measure tactile and proprioceptive function in early preclinical animal models, and will help to improve the rate of successful translation of promising therapies from preclinical investigations to clinical practice.