Genetic and environmental determinants of neuro-behavioural development in genetically modified mice

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We will use inbred and genetically modified mice to study basic questions about the relationships between genes, the environment, brain and behaviour. Three series of experiments will be done to (1) define multiple memory systems (2) analyze lifespan developmental psychobiology and (3) solve methodological problems in the study of mouse behavioural phenotyping. Why it is important? We know very little about the gross effects of genetic manipulation on the behavioural phenotypes of mice. This research uses an ethological and a multiple memory systems approach to understand the effects of genetic manipulation and environmental effects on cognitive function. Only when we understand the wide-ranging effects of genetic manipulation on behavioural phenotypes will we be able to understand how genes influence behaviour. These research projects aim to define the neuro-behavioural changes in genetically modified mice, and relate these changes to strain differences in genes, their patterns of expression, and their effect on neural and behavioural changes throughout the lifespan. What are the anticipated outcomes? We will define the changes in the behavioural phenotypes of inbred and transgenic mice across their lifespan, and describe the genetic, epigenetic, neural, immune and endocrine mechanisms underlying these lifetime changes in behavioural phenotype and define the optimal research protocols for determining the lifespan psychobiological changes in these behavioural phenotypes. What is the benefit to the field and to Canada? There is currently a great deal of confusion about the effects of genes on behaviour. This research will determine the optimal methodology for studying cognitive function in genetically altered mice and show the wide-ranging effects of gene manipulation on behavioural phenotypes and their underlying neurobiological process throughout development. It will also show how environmental experiences interact with gene expression in behavioural development. Finally, it will help us to understand how gene mutations can result in enhanced and abnormal behavioural development.