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Item Studying feeding behavior in the Xenopus laevis tadpole animal model(2022-10-21) Bischoff, Lydia; Le, Christine; Dominguez, IsabelXenopus laevis is an emerging model organism for neurodevelopmental diseases. We are using Xenopus to model a rare genetic disorder known as Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS). Patients with OCNDS exhibit eating difficulties and intestinal issues such as constipation and acid reflux. Our objective is to establish a baseline feeding behavioral assay in Xenopus laevis to investigate the mechanisms of OCNDS. Additionally, we used whole mount immunofluorescence to test neuronal and skeletal muscle markers. We manipulated the amount of food that stage 45-50 tadpoles received (6, 7, or 8 mg) and we observed their buccal pumping rates, time of digestion, feces length, and survival rates (about 26-38 embryos, 10 cm plates). The buccal pumping rate did not change prior and post feeding. The average first excretion happened 44.3 minutes after feeding. The aggregate feces length varied between 3.034 cm for younger embryos and 0.279 cm for older embryos (reproducing previously published data). The survival rate was the same for each group. We also found that skeletal muscle antibody (12/101) and the neuronal antibodies (Xen1 and E7) specifically stained stage 49 tadpoles. We now know how to perform the baseline feeding procedures and have antibodies to investigate neuronal and muscular changes. Further experimentation is required to determine the optimal amount of food and once established, we will launch feeding experiments to determine behavioral and morphological differences in embryos expressing CSNK2A1 variants, which would help us better understand the mechanisms of OCNDS.