National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Seeks Applications Using the JAX Diversity Outcross (DO) Mice

Notice Number: NOT-DA-12-013

Release Date:  April 3, 2012

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA))

The Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch (GMNRB) at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) seeks applications using the JAX Diversity Outcross (DO) mice to identify genetic variants associated with substance abuse and addiction as well as treatment response.  To apply for grants within this area of interest, refer to PA-11-026 Molecular Genetics of Drug Addiction and Related Co-Morbidities (R01)  (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-11-026.html).

The diversity outcross mice permit fine mapping of genetic loci for complex trait with far less effort and greater resolution than before with other mouse resources.   Papers highlighting this resource can be found in the Feb 16, 2012 issues of Genetics www.genetics.org and G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics www.g3journal.org. 

Identification the gene variants underlying the following traits DO mice that are of interest to GMNRB include but are not limited to:

• Motivation to work for a drug as measured by drug self-administration breakpoint.
• Persistence of drug seeking behavior
• Compulsivity of drug seeking behavior
• Preference between drug and sucrose following drug self-administration and the absence of any withdrawal symptoms
• Withdrawal
• Tolerance
• Sensitization
• Novelty seeking
• Different measures of impulsivity, e.g.  5CSRTT (five-choice serial reaction time task) and reversal learning
• Goal trackers vs. sign Trackers, i.e. difference in cue reactivity and auto-shaping.
• Measures of anxiety associated with drug seeking behavior.
• Altered brain circuitry following drug exposure
• Drug Toxicity
• Pharmacokinetics
• Phenotypes produced by GXE interactions that may affect substance abuse and addiction phenoytpes such as maternal separation, victimization by aggression,  learned helplessness in utero exposure to drugs of abuse and environmental toxins such as lead,  and vulnerability to drugs of abuse during puberty and early adulthood.
• Genetic modifiers of knockout mouse phenotypes affecting drug response.
• Treatment response to pharmacological agents that have potential for treating substance abuse
• Nicotine, cocaine, and heroin vaccine responses such antibody titer and amount of free and bound drug in tissues.

The JAX:DO are available from The Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME), as JAXMice stock number 009376. Sibling information at each generation is tracked and made available upon request.  http://cgd.jax.org/datasets/phenotype/SvensonDO.shtml.

If interested in developing an application please contact Dr. Jonathan Pollock.

Please direct all inquiries to:

Jonathan D. Pollock, Ph.D.
Chief
Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch
Division of Basic Neuroscience and Behavioral Research
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm 4103
Bethesda, MD 20892
(For Fedex Delivery the address is Rockville, MD 20852)
Telephone: 301-435-1309
FAX:  301-594-6043
Email. jpollock@mail.nih.gov