Phenotyping in Mice Using Continuous Home Cage Monitoring and Ultrasonic Vocalization Recordings

Abstract

Over the last century, the study of mouse behavior has uncovered insights into brain molecular mechanisms while revealing potential causes of many neurological disorders. To this end, researchers have widely exploited the use of mutant strains, including those generated in mutagenesis screens and those produced using increasingly sophisticated genome engineering technologies. It is now relatively easy to access mouse models carrying alleles that faithfully recapitulate changes found in human patients or bearing variants of genes that provide data on those genes’ functions. Concurrent with these developments has been an appreciation of the limitations of some current testing platforms, especially those monitoring complex behaviors. Out-of-cage observational testing is useful in describing overt persistent phenotypes but risks missing sporadic or intermittent events. Furthermore, measuring the progression of a phenotype, potentially over many months, can be difficult while relying on assays that may be susceptible to changes in the testing environment. In recent years, there has also been increasing awareness that measurement of behaviors in isolation can be limiting, given that mice attempt to hide behavioral cues of vulnerability. To overcome these limitations, laboratory animal science is capitalizing on progress in data capture and processing expertise. Moreover, as additional recording modes become commonplace, ultrasonic vocalization recording is an appealing focus, as mice use vocalizations in various social contexts. Using video and audio technologies, we record the voluntary, unprovoked behaviors and vocalizations of mice in social groups. Adoption of these approaches is undoubtedly set to increase, as they capture the round-the-clock behavior of mouse strains. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Continuous recording of home cage activity using the Home Cage Analyzer (HCA) system

Support Protocol: Subcutaneous insertion of a radio frequency identification microchip in the inguinal area

Basic Protocol 2: Continuous recording of mouse ultrasonic vocalizations in the home cage.