Dataset
Dataset for Renovating the Barnes maze for mouse models of Dementia with STARR FIELD: A 4-day protocol for learning rate, retention, and cognitive flexibility
University of Iowa
Winter 2026
DOI: 10.25820/data.008252
Abstract
Land-based spatial mazes are a low-stress method to evaluate learning in rodent models of dementia. By using innate exploratory and hiding behavior, the Barnes maze requires fewer trials, allowing examination of early learning rate and retention, as well as executive and motivational features that can be characteristic of non-amnestic dementias. However, unwanted odor cues may disrupt interpretation of acquisition rate during typical learning trials. We designed and tested our Barnes FIELD protocol (Find the Invisible Exit to Locate the Domicile) to improve reproducibility, allow evaluation of learning trials, and limit experimenter influence. The protocol uses 3D-printed escape shuttles and docking tunnels, allowing mice to exit the maze to the home cage. We show evidence that our shuttles mitigate the possibility of undesired cues. We demonstrate the feasibility of our protocol across several models of cognitive impairment and aging, and develop an additional stage, the STARR (Spatial Training And Rapid Reversal) maze, to better challenge behavioral flexibility. By examining commonly used outcome measures we identify important considerations for interpretation. These insights are used to evaluate several models of cognitive change, including deficits in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model and behavioral flexibility in a model of brainstem dysfunction. This work provides comprehensive instructions to build, perform, and analyze a robust spatial maze that expands the range of behavioral and motivational outcomes that can be identified and screened. Our findings will aid interpretation of traditional protocols, enhance rigor and reproducibility, and provide an updated method to screen for cognitive changes in mice.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Dataset for Renovating the Barnes maze for mouse models of Dementia with STARR FIELD: A 4-day protocol for learning rate, retention, and cognitive flexibility
- Creators
- Aimee Bertolli (Author) - University of Iowa, NeurologyOday Halhouli (Author) - University of IowaMatthew A Weber (Researcher) - University of Iowa, NeurologyYiming Liu-Martinez (Researcher) - University of Iowa, NeurologyLinder Wendt (Researcher) - University of IowaBrianna M Blaine (Researcher) - University of IowaRamasamy Thangavel (Researcher) - University of Iowa, NeurologySura Smadi (Researcher) - University of IowaPreston J Pellatz (Researcher) - University of IowaDanlin Liu (Researcher) - University of IowaKaisa N Bornhoft (Researcher) - University of IowaKalpana Gupta (Researcher) - University of Iowa, NeurologyRiley A Dean (Researcher) - University of Iowa, SurgeryJoel C Geerling (Supervisor) - University of Iowa, Iowa Neuroscience InstituteMargaret Tish (Researcher) - University of Iowa, NeurologyGeorgina M Aldridge (Corresponding Author) - University of Iowa, Iowa Neuroscience InstituteGemma de Choisy (Researcher) - University of Iowa, BiologyShane A Heiney (Researcher) - University of Iowa, Iowa Neuroscience InstituteEric B Emmons (Supervisor) - Drake UniversitySerena Banu Gumusoglu (Supervisor) - University of Iowa, Obstetrics and GynecologyQiang Zhang (Supervisor) - University of Iowa, NeurologyNandakumar S Narayanan (Supervisor) - University of Iowa, Iowa Neuroscience Institute
- Contributors
- Brian Westra (Data Curator) - University of Iowa, Humanities and Social Sciences/Scholarly Impact
- Resource Type
- Dataset
- DOI
- 10.25820/data.008252
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Grants
- Cortical Alpha-Synuclein in Dementia, 1R01NS129711-01, National Institutes of Health (United States, Bethesda) - NIHVulnerability of the ascending arousal network to alpha-synuclein pathology, 1RF1NS134833, National Institutes of Health (United States, Bethesda) - NIH
- Grant note
- This work was also supported by the SMASH Dementia Research Program of Excellence from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, the University of Iowa Medical Scientist Training Program, and the STEAD family Scholarship to GMA; the Hydrocephalus Association 2019 Innovator Award to JCG; Iowa Fraternal Order of Eagles Alzheimer s and Neurological Fund to JCG; and the NINDS F31/NRSA award NS116947 to MM.
- Language
- English
- Date collected
- 12/31/2019–12/31/2024
- Date published season
- Winter 2026
- Date published
- 01/02/2026
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Humanities and Social Sciences/Scholarly Impact
- Record Identifier
- 9985146794102771
Metrics
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