Abstract
Current trends in neuroscience research have moved toward a reliance on rodent animal models to study most aspects of brain function. Such laboratory-reared animals are highly inbred, have been disengaged from their natural environments for generations and appear to be of limited predictive value for successful clinical outcomes. In this Perspective article, we argue that research on a rich diversity of animal model systems is fundamental to new discoveries in evolutionarily conserved core physiological and molecular mechanisms that are the foundation of human brain function. Analysis of neural circuits across phyla will reveal general computational solutions that form the basis for adaptive behavioral responses. Further, we stress that development of ethoexperimental approaches to improve our understanding of behavioral nuance will help to realign our research strategies with therapeutic goals and improve the translational validity of specific animal models. Finally, we suggest that neuroscience has a role in environmental conservation of habitat and fauna that will preserve and protect the ecological settings that drive species-specific behavioral adaptations. A rich biodiversity will enhance our understanding of human brain function and lead in unpredicted directions for development of therapeutic treatments for neurological disorders.
Highlights
Successful adaptation of animal behavior to environmental demands is reflected in the structure and function of nervous systems
In today’s neuroscience environment there is a lack of appreciation of, or reluctance to accept, less popular or atypical animal models. In this Perspective article, we argue that neuroscience research utilizing a rich diversity of animal model systems rather than just a few established ones significantly enhances our ability to discover fundamental molecular and physiological principles essential for nervous system function
Neuroscience research is currently dominated by studies of the rat and the mouse brain
Summary
Successful adaptation of animal behavior to environmental demands is reflected in the structure and function of nervous systems. Animal Model Diversity in Neuroscience with their identified neurons to define the synaptic and integrative properties of neural circuits controlling motor behavior and learning (Marder, 2012). Studies of these less complex model systems provided fundamental insights into the function of the more derived nervous systems of mammals including the human brain. In today’s neuroscience environment there is a lack of appreciation of, or reluctance to accept, less popular or atypical animal models In this Perspective article, we argue that neuroscience research utilizing a rich diversity of animal model systems rather than just a few established ones significantly enhances our ability to discover fundamental molecular and physiological principles essential for nervous system function. Elucidation of highly conserved neuronal mechanisms is widely applicable to understanding normal human brain function and greatly facilitates understanding of neurological dysfunction and disease states
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