Dr. Katie Morrison’s Laboratory
Morrison Translational Neuroscience Lab
The time surrounding the onset of puberty is a particularly sensitive window during which adverse experiences, such as stress, are associated with an increased risk for affective and cognitive dysfunction across the lifespan. This is particularly true for females, who are more likely to suffer mood disruption and cognitive deficits later in life during other times of hormonal change, including pregnancy and postpartum. We have shown that prior pubertal stress alters some aspects of maternal behavior in postpartum female mice, causing a risk for negative outcomes both for the mom and the offspring. We are expanding our analysis of several domains of behavior both during and after pregnancy, as there is relatively little understood about behavior during this developmental period. Ongoing projects involve (a) applying machine learning approaches (DeepLabCut/SimBA) to previously collected videos of home cage pup directed behavior, and (b) working with live animals to test other types of behavior in the postpartum period (both pup-directed and other types).
REU participants will run experimental sessions with peripartum mice or will work to code pre-recorded videos. In all studies, participants will collect and graph data and analyze the results. Overall, these studies will provide insight into the types of behaviors in the peripartum period that are susceptible to perturbation by pubertal stress. REU participants can learn to code behavioral observations using a computerized program (Anymaze) and/or machine learning programs (DeepLabCut/SimBA) and can learn to rigorously conduct behavioral testing with mice. REU students will also participate in a weekly lab meeting and will have opportunities to learn about the other ongoing projects in the lab.
Subjects/participants: Mixed strain c57/Bl6J:129 mice
Requirements/restrictions: None beyond standard online training and OHQ clearance