Date of Award
3-2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
Program
Biology (MS)
First Advisor/Chairperson
Robert Belton
Abstract
Animal research is a contentious topic in both the scientific and general communities. It is essential that our animal models accurately and predictably depict intended phenotypes, necessitating careful colony monitoring and maintenance. Volunteer animal staff in the Ottem Laboratory became concerned when mice with LoxP sites flanking the BDNF gene depicted anxiety-like behaviors such as aggression, difficulty handling, and increased agitation. Though many studies have noted behavioral and phenotypic abnormalities related to large gene inserts, few have noted abnormalities with small gene inserts such as the 34 bp LoxP site. Brandt (2018) performed a three-stage behavioral protocol on these mice and found evidence of increased anxiety, possible motor abnormalities, slightly impaired sensorimotor gating (SMG) or hearing loss, and reduced muscle tone. We repeated the open field and prepulse inhibition (PPI) tests and likewise found increased anxiety, possible motor abnormalities, and severely reduced PPI. This data combined with Brandt’s research provides strong evidence of behavioral abnormalities associated with floxed BDNF mice in the Ottem Laboratory.
Recommended Citation
Burkman, Marissa A., "SITUATION MOUSE ALL FLOXED UP: EXPLORING PHENOTYPIC ABNORMALITIES IN BDNF FLOXED MICE" (2026). All NMU Master's Theses. 922.
https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/922
Access Type
Open Access
Signed signature page
Included in
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Commons, Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology Commons