A Novel Statistical Method for Unmasking Sex-Specific Genomics Signatures in Complex Traits.

Genotype-phenotype association studies have advanced our understanding of complex traits but often overlook sex-specific genetic signals. The growing awareness of sex-specific influences on human traits and diseases necessitates tailored statistical methodologies to dissect these genetic intricacies. Rare genetic variants play a significant role in disease development, often exhibiting stronger per-allele effects than common variants.

Chronic Social Defeat Stress Induces Pathway-Specific Adaptations at Lateral Habenula Neuronal Outputs.

The lateral habenula (LHb) has emerged as a pivotal brain region implicated in depression, displaying hyperactivity in human and animal models of depression. While the role of LHb efferents in depressive disorders has been acknowledged, the specific synaptic alterations remain elusive. Here, employing optogenetics, retrograde tracing, and ex vivo whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, we investigated synaptic transmission in male mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) at three major LHb neuronal outputs: the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg).

High-throughput low-cost digital lickometer system for the assessment of licking behaviours in mice.

Background: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining health and supports various biological processes, including temperature regulation, immune function, nutrient delivery, and organ function. Visual assessment has traditionally been used to quantify liquid intake, although technological advances in optical and electrical sensors now offer higher accuracy and larger potential for automatic operation with millisecond precision and individual lick resolution.

New Method: We describe an inexpensive electronic sensor board to monitor mouse licking behavior.