Research Symposium

BIO

Hi everyone! My name is Joanna Gerges, I am a sophomore majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and Speech Pathology with plans on attending an MD or MD.PhD program. I’m from Miami, Florida, and have always been curious about the brain and human behavior. My passion for research began in the fall of my freshman year here at FSU, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in the labs of Dr. Maner, Dr. Martin, and Dr. Hammock. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a deep interest in neurobiological research, which I hope to further as a neurologist. My current project in Dr. Hammock’s lab, “Optimizing Genotyping: A Rapid and Less Invasive Alternative to Tail Clipping in Mice.” aims to create a more sustainable, humane, and efficient genotyping protocol for mice. Beyond my research, I am actively involved in the community as a FSU Service Community Ambassador for Neighborly, a nonprofit supporting refugees in Tallahassee. I also serve as a Learning Assistant for Biological Sciences 2 (BSC 2011). I’m excited to continue my journey and am eager to see where my research and community work take me!

Optimizing Genotyping: A Rapid and Less Invasive Alternative to Tail Clipping in Mice 

Abstract

Traditional genotyping in mice for PCR protocols using tail clipping involves removing a small piece of the tail, a potentially painful method requiring 24–34 hours, including 24 hours for digestion. Research suggests that toothpick sampling offers a time-saving alternative with sufficient DNA purity and concentration for PCR amplification, as demonstrated in forensic studies (Rizky et al., 2022). Additionally, sterile toothpicks can transfer bacterial colonies directly into PCR mixtures, enabling amplification without extraction while maintaining high specificity and yield (Woodman et al., 2018). This method reduces processing steps and shortens the time from collection to analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and validity of using a sterile toothpick to less invasively collect epithelial tissues for DNA sampling in mice, followed by PCR analysis, and to assess protocol consistency. We tested this approach for genes Oxt, Oxtr, Avpr1a, and transgenes fxOxtr and Oxtr-Cre. Rectal epithelial samples were collected using bamboo toothpicks, placed into PCR strip tubes, and mixed with 2μl of lysis buffer. Toothpicks were swirled in both directions on ice before removal. The strips were then processed in a thermal cycler, followed by gel electrophoresis. Results were compared to prior tail-sample genotyping to confirm accuracy. Early findings suggest this method is well tolerated by mice and is a promising, rapid, low-cost alternative for DNA collection. Further validation is required to ensure reproducibility across different protocols, but this approach has the potential to enhance efficiency and reduce stress in laboratory genotyping.

Keywords: polymerase chain reaction, neuroscience, mice, oxytocin, genetics