Neurobiology & Behavior
- Laboratory technicians:
The Unit operates across multiple levels of behavioral analysis, from standardized screening to detailed phenotypic characterization of neurological traits. Core assays enable robust detection of functional alterations, which can be further refined using targeted paradigms and longitudinal assessment. This framework supports characterization of disease models as well as preclinical and efficacy studies, where behavioral endpoints are selected and optimized based on clinically relevant phenotypes. Integration with complementary modalities enables mechanistic interpretation and strengthens the translational value of central nervous system phenotyping.
Comprehensive Behavioral Phenotyping Pipeline
Standard services Locomotor and Neuromotor Function
Open Field (locomotor activity), Grip Strength, Rotarod, Beam Walking, and automated Gait Analysis provide quantitative assessment of motor coordination, strength, and movement patterns. These assays are essential for phenotyping neuromuscular disorders, neurodegeneration, and motor impairments.
Standard Services Emotionality and Affective Behavior
Open Field (anxiety-related behavior), Elevated Plus Maze, Light/Dark Box, Forced Swim Test (FST), and Tail Suspension Test (TST) assess anxiety- and depression-like behaviours based on exploratory drive and stress coping strategies.
Standard Services Cognitive Functions and Memory
Cued and Contextual Fear Conditioning, Context Discrimination, Modified Barnes Maze, Novel Object Recognition (NOR), and Y-maze Spontaneous Alternation enable assessment of learning, memory, and attention, including hippocampus-dependent and working memory processes.
Standard Services Sensorimotor Gating
Acoustic Startle Reflex (SR) and Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) provide quantitative measures of sensorimotor gating and information processing, widely used in models of schizophrenia and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Standard services Social Behavior
Social Preference and Social Novelty tests assess sociability, social recognition, and motivation, while the Tube Test evaluates social dominance and competitive interaction. These assays are particularly relevant for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Standard services Pain Sensitivity and Nociception
Hot/Cold Plate, Tail Flick, Plethysmometer, and von Frey tests provide complementary assessment of thermal and mechanical nociception, as well as inflammatory pain responses, enabling detailed characterization of sensory phenotypes.
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Project Specific Assays Longitudinal and High-Content Behavioral Phenotyping (IntelliCage)
The IntelliCage system enables automated, long-term behavioural monitoring in socially housed animals with minimal human interference. This platform allows continuous assessment of cognition, learning, social interaction, and activity under near-natural conditions, supporting complex longitudinal study designs.
Project Specific Assays Early Neurodevelopmental Phenotyping
A dedicated battery of postnatal assays enables characterization of early neurodevelopment, including growth, reflexes, motor coordination, sensory responses, and social behavior. This approach is critical for studying neurodevelopmental disorders and early-life interventions.
Project Specific Assays Advanced Behavioral Paradigms and Protocol Modifications
Standard assays such as Fear Conditioning, Rotarod, and Startle Reflex can be adapted to assess processes including extinction learning, habituation, sensitization, and fear potentiation. These customized paradigms enable more detailed investigation of neural circuit function and behavioral plasticity.
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Neurobiology and behaviour unit was upgraded with the support from OP RDE project CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_046/0015861 CCP Infrastructure Upgrade II.
