Behavioral Models of CNS Diseases
The Laboratory Head graduated with two master’s degrees, biochemistry and biotechnology, from the Jagiellonian University. She received her PhD in medical and health sciences from the Jerzy May Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, with which she has been affiliated since 2015. Here she has gained extensive experience in transgenics, molecular biology and motor behaviour in mice. She is interested in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, which she studies in various in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Her PhD focused on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 tools to generate mutations in neurons and astrocytes. During her PhD, she created animals with progressive sinusoidal site degeneration and linked the early stages of Parkinson’s disease to dysfunction of the noradrenergic system. During her doctoral studies, she completed internships at research institutions abroad (University of Helsinki, DKFZ) and carried out many national collaborations in chronic pain research projects.
The module enables advanced preclinical research in mouse models of CNS disease, including genetic models. The module consists of two cooperating departments: the Laboratory of Viral Vectors and the Laboratory of Behavioural Research. They are an extension of the existing transgenic mouse model laboratory at IF PAN.
The GMM Class II Viral Vector Laboratory and the Genotyping Laboratory offer the facilities and necessary equipment needed for the processes of viral vector production (AAV, LVV), molecular cloning and genotyping. The laboratory’s capabilities include production and storage of viral vectors, in vitro culture of packaging cells in a dedicated room, molecular cloning procedures, genotyping of laboratory animals and isolation and analysis of nucleic acids. The laboratory has current approvals for work with GMOs (Category I) and GMMs (Category II) issued by the Ministry of the Environment.
The laboratory is equipped with specialised research equipment, including an AutoPure Mini automatic nucleic acid isolation system, an Eppendorf CS150NX ultracentrifuge, Bioer GeneExplorer thermocyclers, an Implen NanoPhotometer NP80 spectrophotometer and an Azure 200 Gel Imager gel documentation system. A BioAir SafeMateEco+ laminar chamber and an Eppendorf CellXpert C170 CO2 incubator are available for working with cell cultures.
The main equipment is complemented by complete ancillary equipment necessary for molecular biology work, including a nucleic acid electrophoresis system, laboratory centrifuges of various types, a hothouse-drier, an autoclave and small laboratory equipment. All rooms meet the standards for working with GMO/GMM and have current approvals for this type of research.
The behavioural research laboratory offers 3 comfortable rooms for in vivo testing (including one room dedicated only to the Promethion Core metabolic cage system), 3 holding rooms and an operating theatre. In this module, various animal phenotype tests can be carried out on the available equipment, such as tests of spontaneous activity (Open Field Test), working memory (Morris pool, mazes), tests of animal timidity (Light-Dark Box), motor tests (CatWalk, rotarod) or social interaction. Cameras and an automated image analysis system are available to users. If required, the laboratory also provides the workspace itself for the use of private equipment. In addition to the behavioural area, there are separate living rooms with shelving.
The operating theatre meets GMM/GMO standards and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for precise, intracerebral administration of molecules/compounds. Equipment includes animal inhalation anaesthesia equipment allowing simultaneous operation of 3 operating stations. Two fully automatic stereotactic tables with infusion pumps are available for researchers.
The laboratory is equipped with the Promethion Core metabolic cage system, which is one of the most advanced tools available on the market for comprehensive metabolic and behavioural analysis of animals in vivo. Promethion is the only tool that allows the synchronisation of metabolic data directly with animal behaviour. We have a system consisting of 16 metabolic cages designed for both mice and rats.
A full list of available equipment can be found in the Viral Vector Laboratory and the Behavioural Research Laboratory.
