Preclinical Psychiatric Research

We utilise a range of animal models, including mouse and rat models. For depression research, we typically use the chronic unpredictable stress model (CUMS), which mimics the development of depression in humans under chronic stress. For schizophrenia research, we utilise drug-induced models (e.g. phenylcyclohexylpiperidine-induced models) or gene editing models.

Firstly, we will select induction modalities or genetic alterations that have similarities with the pathogenesis of human diseases. Secondly, we will verify whether the models have the characteristics of human psychiatric diseases through a series of behavioral tests, such as the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test in the depression model, and the social interaction test and the prepulse inhibition test in the schizophrenia model. Moreover, we will compare the similarities between model animals and human diseases in terms of physiology, pathology and behaviour to optimize the models.

Our research identifies potential drug targets, such as specific proteins or neural pathways. We through animal models to screen and optimise drug candidates to improve development efficiency and reduce blinding, as well as to provide preliminary information on in vivo metabolism, distribution and potential adverse effects.

Our services include the collection and processing of biological samples, as well as the application of advanced technologies for the discovery of biomarkers, such as gene sequencing and proteomics analysis. We also offer validation of potential biomarkers and subsequent translational research.