Applying Stereotactic Injection Technique to Study Genetic Effects on Animal Behaviors

The overall goal of this procedure is to assess how modulating the expression of a gene in a target area affects animal behavior. This is accomplished by first creating a lentivirus to modulate the expression of the target gene. The second step is to use stereotactic injection to inject the lentivirus into a specific brain area of ER rodent.

Next behaviors such as anxiety and depression, can be quantitatively measured using established behavioral paradigms. The final step is to conduct histology to confirm the correct injection site. Ultimately, stereotactic injection paired with behavioral assessment can show how a specific gene in a target area can affect mouse behaviors.