Assessing cognitive flexibility in mice using a custom-built touchscreen chamber

Rui C Pais ¹, Ali Goldani ¹, Jayden Hutchison ¹

⁰Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience +

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February 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

We developed a low-cost automated touchscreen system for rodent cognitive and behavioral screening. This system identified potential genotype-specific deficits in an Alzheimer's Disease (AD) mouse model, validating its utility for neurobiological research.

Area Of Science

Neuroscience
Behavioral Science
Biotechnology

Background

Automated touchscreen systems are crucial for rodent model screening in cognitive and behavioral research.
High costs of existing systems create barriers to accessibility in basic research.
Bridging the translational gap between animal models and human clinical research is essential.

Purpose Of The Study

To introduce a cost-effective, custom-built touchscreen operant conditioning chamber using Raspberry Pi and a tablet.
To validate the apparatus by assessing cognitive and behavioral performance in mice.
To investigate potential genotype-specific deficits in an Alzheimer's Disease (AD) mouse model.

Main Methods

Developed a novel touchscreen operant chamber using Raspberry Pi and a commercial tablet.
Trained C57BL/6 mice on a visual discrimination serial-reversal task.
Trained C57BL/6 and App<sup>NL-G-F</sup> (AD model) mice on a location discrimination serial-reversal task.

Main Results

Mice demonstrated clear progression toward asymptotic performance on the location discrimination task.
App<sup>NL-G-F</sup> mice showed increased errors during reversal learning compared to wild-type controls.
Potential genotype-specific deficits were observed in the AD mouse model.

Conclusions

The custom-built touchscreen apparatus is a practical and cost-effective tool for rodent behavioral research.
The system can provide valuable insights into cognitive and behavioral markers of neurobiological disorders like Alzheimer's Disease.
This technology enhances the utility of rodent models for translational research.

Keywords:

Alzheimer’s disease Raspberry Pi cognitive flexibility serial reversal learning touchscreen chamber