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A challenge in translational research is comparing behaviors across species. A new study combines a novel behavioral paradigm in rats and humans with reinforcement learning to infer shared computations for goal-directed navigation.
The application of genome-editing tools to generate point mutations in animal models is of particular value for precise disease modeling, but the PAM requirement of Cas enzymes is a critical limiting factor. Two new studies demonstrate that SpRY variant displays efficient genome editing in a nearly PAM-less manner in zebrafish, expanding the targeting scope of base editors in this model.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the FKBP5 gene influence the risk of developing stress-related disorders, but the underlying processes are not fully understood. Animal models offer a possibility to investigate the influence of FKBP5 gene variants on the stress response system.
In this Review, the authors provide recommendations for the implementation of the 3Rs in all the steps and procedures in the generation of genetically modified rodents; they also discuss future welfare challenges associated with advances in genome modification techniques.
New insights into gut-brain axis and cognition function show that accumulation of Caudovirales bacteriophages in the gut microbiota is associated with improved executive function and memory.