The Reconfigurable Maze Provides Flexible, Scalable, Reproducible, and Repeatable Tests

Abstract

Multiple mazes are routinely used to test the performance of animals because each has disadvantages inherent to its shape. However, the maze shape cannot be flexibly and rapidly reproduced in a repeatable and scalable way in a single environment. Here, to overcome the lack of flexibility, scalability, reproducibility, and repeatability, we develop a reconfigurable maze system that consists of interlocking runways and an array of accompanying parts. It allows experimenters to rapidly and flexibly configure a variety of maze structures along the grid pattern in a repeatable and scalable manner. Spatial navigational behavior and hippocampal place coding were not impaired by the interlocking mechanism. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we demonstrate that the maze morphing induces location remapping of the spatial receptive field. The reconfigurable maze thus provides flexibility, scalability, repeatability, and reproducibility, therefore facilitating consistent investigation into the neuronal substrates for learning and memory and allowing screening for behavioral phenotypes.

A Head-Mounted Multi-Camera System for Electrophysiology and Behavior in Freely-Moving Mice

“…Additionally, they can be readily integrated into slip ring commutators and pulleys to relieve strain from the tethers, which may prove more difficult with a ribbon cable. Using modern commutators which utilize close-loop systems to provide active accommodation could also be implemented to relieve any strain of the electrophysiology and camera tethers, as well as optical fibers (Hoshino et al, 2020 ). Active counterbalancing of the tethers through closed-loop tracking and motorized pulleys should also be possible, however we have not yet tested motorized commutators or pulleys with this system.…”

A head-mounted multi-camera system for electrophysiology and behavior in freely-moving mice

“…Importantly, since this system uses individual wires for signal and power connections, as opposed to the flat ribbon cables of the Adafruit 1937 camera, they can readily be integrated into slip ring commutators and pulleys to relieve strain from the tethers, which may be more difficult with a ribbon cable. Using modern commutators which utilize close-loop systems to provide active accommodation could then be implemented to relieve any strain of the electrophysiology and camera tethers, as well as optical fibers (Hoshino et al 2020) . Active counterbalancing of the tethers through closed-loop tracking and motorized pulleys should also be possible.…”

Adaptable and Automated Rodent Behavior Maze System

“…VR also enables head-fixed recording techniques, but requires head-fixation of animals during any experiment. Finally, an impressive modular track system was recently published by Hoshino and colleagues (Hoshino et al, 2020). Their system boasts many of the features of our system, but with a few important distinctions.…”