The marmoset monkey as a model for visual neuroscience.

TitleThe marmoset monkey as a model for visual neuroscience.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsMitchell JF, Leopold DA
JournalNeurosci Res
Volume93
Pagination20-46
Date Published2015 Apr
ISSN1872-8111
KeywordsAnimals, Biological Evolution, Brain, Callithrix, Color Perception, Color Vision, Exploratory Behavior, Macaca, Models, Animal, Social Behavior, Vision, Binocular, Vision, Ocular, Visual Perception
Abstract

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has been valuable as a primate model in biomedical research. Interest in this species has grown recently, in part due to the successful demonstration of transgenic marmosets. Here we examine the prospects of the marmoset model for visual neuroscience research, adopting a comparative framework to place the marmoset within a broader evolutionary context. The marmoset's small brain bears most of the organizational features of other primates, and its smooth surface offers practical advantages over the macaque for areal mapping, laminar electrode penetration, and two-photon and optical imaging. Behaviorally, marmosets are more limited at performing regimented psychophysical tasks, but do readily accept the head restraint that is necessary for accurate eye tracking and neurophysiology, and can perform simple discriminations. Their natural gaze behavior closely resembles that of other primates, with a tendency to focus on objects of social interest including faces. Their immaturity at birth and routine twinning also makes them ideal for the study of postnatal visual development. These experimental factors, together with the theoretical advantages inherent in comparing anatomy, physiology, and behavior across related species, make the marmoset an excellent model for visual neuroscience.

DOI10.1016/j.neures.2015.01.008
Alternate JournalNeurosci. Res.
PubMed ID25683292
PubMed Central IDPMC4408257
Grant ListR21 MH104756 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R21-MH104756 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
/ / Intramural NIH HHS / United States
Category: 
IRG Funded