Project 20

Behavioural characterisation of ephrin-A2/ephrin-A5 double knockout mice: differentiating between procedural, motor and spatial learning.

The project addresses the role of Eph/ephrin interactions in the different types of memory in the adult. There is considerable evidence that Eph/ephrin interactions play a key role in the development and function of both the hippocampus and cerebellum, structures implicated in learning and memory. The hippocampus is needed for procedural memory learning, the cerebellum for motor learning and both are required for spatial learning. Double knockout mice for two key members of the ephrin-A family, ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5 provide an exceptional model in which to assess the relative impact of the knockout on the different types of learning.

The project will address a selection of the aims listed below, depending on the areas of interest of the student. The project will involve working closely with the animal care unit (maintaining breeding records) and regular genotyping as well as intensive training and behavioural observations of the mice.

Behavioural studies:

• General characterization of knockout mice: Reflexes, motor skills, sensory function
  
• Learning and memory: Morris water maze, radial arm maze
  
• Specific motor skills: Rotarod

Anatomical studies:

• Hippocampal structure
  
• Cerebellar structure