Mouse spontaneous behavior reflects individual variation rather than estrous state

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.035
• Publication Date: 2023-03-07T17:58:48Z
• Authors: Dana Rubi Levy; Nigel Hunter; Sherry Lin; Emma Marie Robinson; Winthrop Gillis; Eli Benjamin Conlin; Rockwell Anyoha; Rebecca M. Shansky; Sandeep Robert Datta
• Keywords: Variation (astronomy)

Behavior is shaped by both the internal state of an animal and its individual behavioral biases. Rhythmic variation in gonadal hormones during estrous cycle a defining feature female state, one that regulates many aspects sociosexual behavior. However, it remains unclear whether influences spontaneous behavior and, if so, how these effects might relate to variation. Here, we address this question longitudinally characterizing open-field mice across different phases cycle, using unsupervised machine learning decompose into constituent elements.