Methods for Studying Mouse Social Behaviors

TOPICAL COLLECTIONS

Guest Editor

Tsung-Han Kuo

National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

Dr. Kuo earned his PhD from Baylor College of Medicine. Following his postdoctoral training at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, he became a member of the Institute of Systems Neuroscience at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan. Possessing a keen fascination with animal behaviors, particularly in the context of social interactions, his research efforts have been primarily concentrated on uncovering novel behaviors and the modulation of behaviors, using mice and fruit flies as model organisms, and investigate the underlying mechanisms and biological significance of these behaviors. Beyond his exploration of social behaviors, Dr. Kuo has also delved into the study of how social influences can impact behaviors, physiological processes, and even longevity.

Collection Overview

House mice (Mus musculus) exhibit diverse behaviors during social interactions. These behaviors not only provide insights into the molecular mechanisms and neural circuits underlying behavioral motivation in mice but also offer valuable parallels for understanding human behaviors. Although several methods have been developed to investigate these behaviors, the complexity of behavioral performance has sometimes led to inconsistent results across different laboratories or individuals.

As a result, the primary goal of this collection is to provide clear and transparent procedures for assays or techniques related to various mouse social behaviors. These behaviors encompass different purposes and emotional valences, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of social interactions. By offering standardized protocols, we aim to facilitate the adoption of these methods by scientists and enhance the generation of robust behavioral data. Ultimately, this will significantly advance the field of behavioral science.