Animal models
California National Primate Research Center
Description:
The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) at UC Davis is one of seven primate research centers supported by the National Institutes of Health. Collectively, the national primate research centers are a unique resource for investigators studying human health and disease, offering the opportunity to study potential cures, treatments, and preventive measures in nonhuman primate models that most closely resemble human responses. Research performed at the CNPRC provides necessary information before proceeding to clinical trials in humans, and has led to new drugs and therapies that benefit human health and quality of life.
Funding:
National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Mental Health, Office of the Director
David G. Amaral, Ph.D.
Core scientist, Brain, Mind, and Behavior Research unit
dgamaral@ucdavis.edu
Genetically modified nonhuman primates for neurodevelopmental research
Description:
To better understand the neurobiological and molecular underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder, a first goal of this application is to develop a nonhuman primate model through genetic modification of the CHD8 gene. This gene is among the most frequently mutated genes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A long-term goal is to establish infrastructure to enable the generation of genetically modified monkeys for translational biomedical research — which we believe to be in the national interest.
Funding:
National Institutes of Health
David G. Amaral, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
dgamaral@ucdavis.edu
Nonhuman primate core
Description:
The goal of the nonhuman primate core is to (i) generate a novel nonhuman primate of maternal immune activation, (ii) carry out comprehensive behavioral phenotyping of the animals, and (iii) integrate behavioral outcomes with neuroimaging and postmortem brain tissue studies.
Funding:
National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Mental Health
Melissa D. Bauman, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator
mdbauman@ucdavis.edu
Epigenetic modification in the nonhuman primate model of maternal immune activation
Description:
This project is designed to characterize epigenetic changes in nonhuman primate offspring exposed to maternal immune activation during pregnancy.
Funding:
National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Melissa D. Bauman, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
mdbauman@ucdavis.edu
Molecular alterations in primate amygdala following prenatal immune challenge
Description:
This project is designed to characterize molecular alterations in the primate amygdala in nonhuman primate offspring exposed to maternal immune activation during pregnancy.
Funding:
National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Mental Health
Cynthia M. Schumann, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
cschumann@ucdavis.edu
Melissa D. Bauman, Ph.D.
Multi-Principal Investigator
mdbauman@ucdavis.edu