Wet or dry: translatable “water mazes” for mice and humans
Kerin K. Higa, … , Jared W. Young, Mark A. Geyer
Kerin K. Higa, … , Jared W. Young, Mark A. Geyer
Published January 19, 2016
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2016;126(2):477-479. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI86071.
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Wet or dry: translatable “water mazes” for mice and humans

Abstract

Although the cognitive and biological characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are well known and mouse models of AD are available, current treatments for AD-related cognitive deficits have quite limited efficacy. The development of tasks with cross-species validity may enable better prediction of the efficacy of potential new treatments. In this issue of the JCI, Possin et al. present a virtual version of the Morris water maze (a common test of spatial learning and memory for rodents) that is designed for use with humans. The authors tested a mouse model of AD (transgenic mice expressing human amyloid precursor protein [hAPP]) and patients in the earlier mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage of AD in their respective versions of the maze. Using novel statistical methods, they detected similar deficits across species, providing support for the hAPP model and use of the virtual water maze. Importantly, this work enabled recommendations for appropriate sample sizes when developing potential therapeutics for AD.

Authors

Kerin K. Higa, Jared W. Young, Mark A. Geyer

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Figure 1

Schematic of hidden target learning arenas for mouse and human tasks.

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Schematic of hidden target learning arenas for mouse and human tasks. Th...
The mouse tasks were performed over several days, while all stages of the human tasks were performed on a single day. Mice were trained to swim to a hidden escape platform. Humans were trained to drive to a hidden treasure chest using a driving simulator that was situated in front of a computer monitor. For hidden target learning and probe tests, each arena was surrounded by consistent landmarks for spatial reference (not pictured).