# Mouse Neurodevelopmental Behavior Core

> **NIH NIH U54** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $200,992

## Abstract

MOUSE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL BEHAVIOR CORE (CORE D)
ABSTRACT
The Mouse Neurodevelopmental Behavior Core (NBC) at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) is designed to
enable the comprehensive identification and quantification of complex behavioural phenotypes in mouse
models of neurodevelopmental disorders. As well as providing cutting edge equipment, we continually
validate the best protocols and generate base-line data for quality control management. Having such
capabilities for in vivo analysis of mouse models of human disorders facilitates efficacy testing of novel
therapeutic compounds and interventions, to provide evidence for transitioning into the clinic. The Core is
equipped to perform extensive batteries of tests that phenotype specific social, emotional and cognitive
behaviors, as well as motor, auditory and visual function, together with the general health of the animals. In
addition, the NBC provides complementary technologies for evaluating the neurobiological mechanisms
behind changes in behaviour, such as EEG, ECG and lasers for optogenetic studies. The core also
provides a unique opportunity for training fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, as well as PIs, in
the in vivo analysis of mouse models of human disorders.
Looking ahead, we aim to keep the NBC at the forefront of in vivo analysis of genetic models of human
disorders. One  major new initiative will be the establishment of a rat behavioral facility to exploit the
increasing ability to efficiently modify the genome of rats to create genetic models of tuberosclerosis, Rett
syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This will occupy ~1500 sq.ft of new space for the NBC
and we have the required equipment for measuring cognition, anxiety, exploration and motor function in
rats as well as EEG and in vivo imaging capacity. Another initiative is to offer reverse light housing for up
to 300 mouse cages, so that investigators can study mouse behavior over the full diurnal cycle. We are
also developing synergistic partnerships with the Cellular Imaging Core that has a two photon microscope
to image neurons in conscious behaving mice, to bring together cutting edge imaging and behavioral
technologies to the enable the mechanistic study of neurodevelopmental diseases. Finally, we recognize
that the IDDRC network of behavioral Core facilities in the US provides a unique opportunity to establish a
set of standards for behavioral assessment and reporting of rodent models of neurodevelopmental
disorders.  We will run with Jackie Crawley (Director, UC Davis, IDDRC Behavior Core Facility) a series of
comparative studies to establish standardized protocols for execution and analysis of neurodevelopmental
disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10003043
- **Project number:** 5U54HD090255-05
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Michela Fagiolini
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $200,992
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10003043

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10003043, Mouse Neurodevelopmental Behavior Core (5U54HD090255-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10003043. Licensed CC0.

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