A comprehensive and critical overview of the major genetically modified mouse lines used to model human neurobehavioral disorders.

The second volume of Behavioral Genetics of the Mouse provides a comprehensive overview of the major genetically modified mouse lines used to model human neurobehavioral disorders: from disorders of perception, of autonomous and motor functions to social and cognitive syndromes, drug abuse and dependence as well as neurodegenerative pathologies. Mouse models obtained with different types of genetic manipulations (i.e. transgenic, knockout/in mice) are described in their pathological phenotypes, with a special emphasis on behavioral abnormalities. The major results obtained with many of the existing models are discussed in depth highlighting their strengths and limitations. A lasting reference, the thorough reviews offer an easy entrance into the extensive literature in this field, and will prove invaluable to students and specialists alike.

"The first volume in the new Cambridge Handbooks in Behavioral Genetics, Behavioral Genetics of the Mouse provides baseline information on normal behaviors, essential in both the design of experiments using genetically-modified or pharmacologically-treated animals, and in the interpretation and analyses of the results obtained. Offering a comprehensive overview of the genetics of naturally-occurring variation in mouse behavior; from perception and spontaneous behaviors, such as exploration, aggression, social interactions and motor behaviors to reinforced behaviors such as the different types of learning. Also included are numerous examples of potential experimental problems, which will aid and guide researchers trying to troubleshoot their own studies. A lasting reference, the thorough and comprehensive reviews offer an easy entrance into the extensive literature in this field, and will prove invaluable to students and specialists alike"--

A comprehensive review of the current state of our knowledge on the inheritance of normal behaviour in the laboratory mouse.

Dr. Jacqueline N. Crawley, author of the First and Second Editions of What’s Wrong with My Mouse? Behavioral Phenotyping of Transgenic and Knockout Mice,continues to field calls and e-mails from molecular geneticists who ask: how do I run behavioral assays to find out what’s wrong with my mouse? Turn to What’s Wrong with My Mouse? to discover the wealth of mouse behavioral tasks and to get the guidance you need to select the best methods and necessary controls. Chapters are organized by behavioral domain, including measurements of general health, motor functions, sensory abilities, learning and memory, feeding and drinking, reproductive, social, emotional, and reward behaviors in mutant mice. Throughout the chapters, new behavioral tasks and new research discoveries have been added, bringing the Second Edition up to date with the latest science. In addition, the Second Edition includes two new chapters: "Neurodevelopment and Neurodegeneration" discusses mouse behavioral tasks relevant to neurodevelopmental diseases, such as mental retardation and autism, and to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Huntingtons, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. "Putting It All Together" recommends strategies for optimizing a battery of behavioral phenotyping tests to address your specific hypotheses about gene functions. The final chapter, "The Next Generation," examines new and emerging technologies. Throughout the book, the use of behavioral testing equipment is illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and representative data. Examples of behavioral tasks successfully applied to transgenic and knockout mouse models are provided, as well as references to the primary literature and step-by-step methods protocols. These features, along with a comprehensive index, listings of database and vendor websites, and an extensive list of references, make this book a valuable and practical resource for students and researchers.

The Handbook of Behavioral Genetics and Phenotypingrepresents an integrative approach to neurobehavioural genetics;worldwide experts in their field will review all chapters. Advancedoverviews of neurobehavioural characteristics will add immensevalue to the investigation of animal mutants and provide uniqueinformation about the genetics and behavioural understanding ofanimal models, under both normal and pathological conditions.Cross-species comparisons of neurobehavioural phenotypes will pavethe way for an evolutionary understanding of behaviour. Moreover, while biological sciences are progressing towards aholistic approach to investigate the complexity of organisms (i.e.,“systems biology” approach), an integrated analysis ofbehavioural phenotyping is still lacking. The Handbook ofBehavioral Genetics and Phenotyping strengthens the cross-talkwithin disciplines that investigate the fundamental basis ofbehaviour and genetics. This will be the first volume in whichtraditionally distant fields including genomics, behaviour,electrophysiology, neuroeconomics, and computational neuroscience,among others, are evaluated together and simultaneously accountedfor during discussions of future perspectives.

This book provides an overview of human and animal behavioral genetics and examines the crossroads where the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and genetics intersect.