High throughput sequencing of the mouse transcriptome within the VTA following exposure to emotional stress.

Using a novel stress paradigm, we generated emotionally stressed, physically stressed, and control animals. We measured changes in mRNA expression using Illumina HiSeq2000 to obtain high-depth sequencing. Interestingly, we observed a number of significantly up- and down-regulated mRNAs. By identifying mRNAs that were regulated similarly in both emotionally and physically stressed mice, we hope to provide a list of potentially novel targets for therapeutic intervention in mood disorder. Examination of the transcriptome within the VTA in emotionally and physically (both susceptible and resilient) stressed C57BL/6J male mice.