Delta Phenomics has excellent facilities and qualified staff to execute a variety of contract research projects.

Integrated behavioral testing with the PhenoMAP platform

Our research facility houses multiple fully automated PhenoMAP™ systems with large numbers of instrumented PhenoTyper^® test cages for mice and rats. Through a strategic partnership with Noldus Information Technology, our computer systems have the latest software for data acquisition, analysis, visualization and reporting.

The PhenoMAP platform allows fully automated screening of mutant lines or compound libraries with respect to the following brain functions and behavioral domains:
• activity
• circadian rhythm
• exploration
• locomotor activity
• learning and memory
• anxiety and fear
• liquid intake (drinking)
• anhedonia (appetitive and consummatory aspects)

Behavior can be measured under stable and undisturbed conditions, after habituation of the animals (our standard approach). Alternatively, if required, behavior can be measured in interaction with novelty-enhanced arousal (the common approach in classical short-lasting tests).

Experiment design, analysis and interpretation of the data are carried out in consultation with the customer. The test protocol, including the configuration of sensors and stimuli, can be adapted to the customer’s specifications. An initial report with a detailed analysis on a vast number of behavioral end points is provided within weeks after the completion of data collection.

In addition, new behavioral tests specified by customers can be automated too. If necessary, this will involve custom hardware or software development.

Stand-alone behavioral tests

In addition to integrated home cage testing, Delta Phenomics uses well-validated batteries of stand-alone tests for mouse mutant phenotyping and drug profiling. These tests address various behavioral domains, including anxiety, cognition, motor and sensory function. All test apparatus (Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, forced swim test, etc.) are automated with advanced video tracking and analysis software.

Biotechnical operations

Delta Phenomics has modern equipment for anesthesia, stereotactical manipulation and surgery. Our animal technicians are skilled in various routes of drug administration.

How we work with you

A contract research project consists of three phases:
• experiment design
• data collection
• data analysis and reporting

Experiment design
The discussion with you about how to design the experiment and what to look for is a key element of how we work with our customers. There are two main scenarios for the setup of your experiment:

• You have a specific question regarding a well-known behavioral effect related to a typical psychopathology as studied in a given animal model. The question then is: how to implement your research question in a PhenoMAP study as well as possible? We can test your animal model (lesioned animal or mutant) as you use it, in our set up. We will then monitor your animal in expected relevant time windows and focus on the expected behavioral changes. Animals can be treated with drugs, etc., at specific time points. Since you have a specific research question in mind, the protocol will be especially adapted to your needs.
• You have a question with a wider scope, e.g. a new animal model or a mutant which is not fully known in terms of behavioral characteristics. The question then can be: how can we detect relevant behaviors and unexpected (side-)effects as comprehensively as possible? In this case a wide-spectrum analysis of behavior can be applied.

The length of the observation time, stimuli to be presented in the PhenoTyper cages, and parameters of interest to be measured are discussed with you. Behavior is monitored continuously over days, as long as your research requires. Behavior can be observed and manipulated before the animal is adjusted to the PhenoTyper environment (i.e. within the first days) or after the animal has become familiar in the cage (i.e. after several days). Notwithstanding the focus of the study, we always measure a wide range of activity parameters and distinguish novelty-related reactions from baseline behavior. And since there is no long publication history of such data sets, there is always the possibility to find something new. Therefore, we always analyze exploratory activity in different zones of the cage. Our PhenoMAP platform includes flexible software and programmable stimuli (light, sound, food dispenser, etc.) allowing various protocols for learning and anxiety. Thus, the final protocol is the result of an interaction between customer and Delta Phenomics. 

Data collection
Often a pilot of the chosen protocol and the analysis to be used precede the experiment. During the actual experiment, the PhenoMAP software continuously monitors the status of each animal in each test cage.

Data analysis and reporting
Each experiment has different levels of analysis. We distinguish at least three:

• Level 1:  The initial analysis is a list of 60 standard parameters, including frequency and duration of visits to various zones such as shelter, food, water, central area. It also includes the main parameters for the two cognitive tasks and the anxiety task, if appropriate. The level 1 report is available instantaneously after completion of data collection.
• Level 2: The intermediary analysis contains an extended list of parameters in which the data are expressed per 15 minutes or smaller units, accumulating to a list of hundreds or thousands of parameters. These data are screened and summarized for you by a Delta Phenomics consultant. Analysis and presentation are customized in consultation with you. This analysis takes a week.
• Level 3: The most comprehensive analysis consists of advanced parameters, including ones that are the result of mathematical modeling of behavior of individual animals. In addition, a sequential analysis can be performed on movement patterns. The level 3 report may include more than 30.000 parameters. This analysis requires 4-6 weeks.

The final report will contain graphs and statistics as well as a written interpretation of the results. Raw data are provided as an attachment to the report.