Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) as a primate model for behavioral neuroscience studies

Abstract

Background The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has been proposed as a suitable bridge between rodents and larger primates. They have been used in several types of research including auditory, vocal, visual, pharmacological and genetics studies. However, marmosets have not been used as much for behavioral studies. New Method Here we present data from training 12 adult marmosets for behavioral neuroscience studies. We discuss the husbandry, food preferences, handling, acclimation to laboratory environments and neurosurgical techniques. In this paper, we also present a custom built “scoop” and a monkey chair suitable for training of these animals. Results The animals were trained for three tasks: 4 target center-out reaching task, reaching tasks that involved following robot actions, and touch screen task. All animals learned the center-out reaching task within 1–2 weeks whereas learning reaching tasks following robot actions task took several months of behavioral training where the monkeys learned to associate robot actions with food rewards. Comparison to Existing Method We propose the marmoset as a novel model for behavioral neuroscience research as an alternate for larger primate models. This is due to the ease of handling, quick reproduction, available neuroanatomy, sensorimotor system similar to larger primates and humans, and a lissencephalic brain that can enable implantation of microelectrode arrays relatively easier at various cortical locations compared to larger primates. Conclusion All animals were able to learn behavioral tasks well and we present the marmosets as an alternate model for simple behavioral neuroscience tasks.

Cognitive control of complex motor behavior in marmoset monkeys

“…To date, a variety of neurophysiological methods, as well as different brain imaging techniques have been successfully developed and established in marmosets, highlighting the potential for using these animals to study cognitive processes and their underlying neural network in different conditions and contexts 1,2 . Currently, these methods are used in anesthetized 9,10 , freely moving 11 , and restrained marmosets 12 , as well as in animals that have been trained to perform motor tasks such as licking 13,14 , saccadic eye movements 15,16 , or arm reaching 17,18 in response to visual or auditory stimuli. However, neuroscience needs complex behaviors to learn more about certain brain–behavior relationships 19 .…”

Sex Differences in Cognitive Flexibility and Resting Brain Networks in Middle-Aged Marmosets

“…We examined cognitive sex differences in the marmoset, a small (300 − 500 g) New World primate that is emerging as an attractive new primate model for neuroscience research (Okano et al, 2012; Miller, 2017; Prins et al, 2017). Marmosets share with other primates a complex brain and behavior but, because of their small size, present a number of practical advantages as laboratory animals.…”

Local transgene expression and whole‐body transgenesis to model brain diseases in nonhuman primate

“…Nonhuman primates are more sophisticated behaviorally . The motor, cognitive abilities, and social behavior of NHPs closely mimic humans .…”