Gene-environment interactions differentially affect mouse strain behavioral parameters

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Systematic phenotyping of mouse strains is essential for functional genetic information.
• Standardized phenotyping protocols, like EMPReSS, ensure data consistency across labs and time.
• Neurologic and behavioral screens are critical components of phenotyping, especially for mutagenesis screens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of subtle variations in mouse cage environment on behavioral test outcomes.
• To identify genotype-environment-test interactions in behavioral assays.
• To assess the necessity of systematically recording environmental variables in behavioral studies.

Main Methods:

• Cross-validated screening batteries were used in commonly used inbred mouse strains.
• Subtle changes in cage enrichment were systematically introduced.
• Behavioral outcomes, including open-field test and prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle response, were recorded.

Main Results:

• Significant and distinct genotype-environment-test interactions were identified.
• Strain order in open-field entries and distance traveled was reversed by different enrichment forms.
• Prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle response was quantitatively unaffected by enrichment conditions.

Conclusions:

• Subtle environmental variations can lead to data misinterpretation in behavioral studies if not systematically recorded.
• The influence of environmental variables on behavioral outcomes may be behavior-specific.
• Further research on genetic and environmental variables is critical for advancing behavioral and functional genomics.