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Li CY, Bowers JM, Alexander TA, Behrens KA, Jackson P, Amini CJ, Juntti SA. A pheromone receptor in cichlid fish mediates attraction to females but inhibits male parental care. Curr Biol 2024; 34:3866-3880.e7. [PMID: 39094572 PMCID: PMC11387146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive behaviors differ across species, but the mechanisms that control variation in mating and parental care systems remain unclear. In many animal species, pheromones guide mating and parental care. However, it is not well understood how vertebrate pheromone signaling evolution can lead to new reproductive behavior strategies. In fishes, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) drives mating and reproductive pheromone signaling in fertile females, but this pheromonal activity appears restricted to specific lineages, and it remains unknown how a female fertility pheromone is sensed for most fish species. Here, we utilize single-cell transcriptomics and CRISPR gene editing in a cichlid fish model to identify and test the roles of key genes involved in olfactory sensing of reproductive cues. We find that a pheromone receptor, Or113a, detects fertile cichlid females and thereby promotes male attraction and mating behavior, sensing a ligand other than PGF2α. Furthermore, while cichlid fishes exhibit extensive parental care, for most species, care is provided solely by females. We find that males initiate mouthbrooding parental care if they have disrupted signaling in ciliated sensory neurons due to cnga2b mutation or if or113a is inactivated. Together, these results show that distinct mechanisms of pheromonal signaling drive reproductive behaviors across taxa. Additionally, these findings indicate that a single pheromone receptor has gained a novel role in behavior regulation, driving avoidance of paternal care among haplochromine cichlid fishes. Lastly, a sexually dimorphic, evolutionarily derived parental behavior is controlled by central circuits present in both sexes, while olfactory signals gate this behavior in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yu Li
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jessica M Bowers
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | | | - Kristen A Behrens
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Peter Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Cyrus J Amini
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Scott A Juntti
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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2
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Zhu Z, Miao L, Li K, Ma Q, Pan L, Shen C, Ge Q, Du Y, Yin L, Yang H, Xu X, Zeng LH, Liu Y, Xu H, Li XM, Sun L, Yu YQ, Duan S. A hypothalamic-amygdala circuit underlying sexually dimorphic aggression. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00457-4. [PMID: 39019042 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Male animals often display higher levels of aggression than females. However, the neural circuitry mechanisms underlying this sexually dimorphic aggression remain elusive. Here, we identify a hypothalamic-amygdala circuit that mediates male-biased aggression in mice. Specifically, the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl), a sexually dimorphic region associated with eliciting male-biased aggression, projects densely to the posterior substantia innominata (pSI), an area that promotes similar levels of attack in both sexes of mice. Although the VMHvl innervates the pSI unidirectionally through both excitatory and inhibitory connections, it is the excitatory VMHvl-pSI projections that are strengthened in males to promote aggression, whereas the inhibitory connections that reduce aggressive behavior are strengthened in females. Consequently, the convergent hypothalamic input onto the pSI leads to heightened pSI activity in males, resulting in male-biased aggression. Our findings reveal a sexually distinct excitation-inhibition balance of a hypothalamic-amygdala circuit that underlies sexually dimorphic aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenggang Zhu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lu Miao
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kaiyuan Li
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qingqing Ma
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lina Pan
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chenjie Shen
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qianqian Ge
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yonglan Du
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Luping Yin
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Institute of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Han Xu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan-Qin Yu
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
| | - Shumin Duan
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science & Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China; Research Units for Emotion and Emotion Disorders, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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3
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Puska G, Szendi V, Dobolyi A. Lateral septum as a possible regulatory center of maternal behaviors. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105683. [PMID: 38649125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The lateral septum (LS) is involved in controlling anxiety, aggression, feeding, and other motivated behaviors. Lesion studies have also implicated the LS in various forms of caring behaviors. Recently, novel experimental tools have provided a more detailed insight into the function of the LS, including the specific role of distinct cell types and their neuronal connections in behavioral regulations, in which the LS participates. This article discusses the regulation of different types of maternal behavioral alterations using the distributions of established maternal hormones such as prolactin, estrogens, and the neuropeptide oxytocin. It also considers the distribution of neurons activated in mothers in response to pups and other maternal activities, as well as gene expressional alterations in the maternal LS. Finally, this paper proposes further research directions to keep up with the rapidly developing knowledge on maternal behavioral control in other maternal brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Puska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Szendi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arpád Dobolyi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Laboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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4
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Goterris-Cerisuelo R, Sanahuja-Irene S, Sánchez-Catalán MJ, Martínez-García F. Adjusting and validating a procedure for parenteral anaesthesia in neonatal mice. Lab Anim 2024; 58:209-218. [PMID: 38495026 DOI: 10.1177/00236772231219821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
For neonatal pups, parenteral anaesthesia is said to be not reliable as low doses induce no anaesthesia whereas high doses render high mortality rates. In this work we have adapted parenteral anaesthesia procedures approved for pups >7 days of age, to anaesthetize neonatal animals (postnatal days 3-4; P3-P4) for keeping them immobile for a long period. In our first experiment we analysed the behaviour of P3-P4 mouse pups for 70 min after intraperitoneal administration of low (37.5/3.75 mg/kg) or high (50/5) doses of a ketamine/xylazine anaesthetic mixture, both in the low range as compared with dosages employed in adults. Pups became immobile in ≈7 min and remained immobile for ≈45 min, irrespective of the age and dose of anaesthesia, younger pups (P3) being apparently more sensitive to the dosage. In the second experiment, we studied the response of P3 pups to mildly nociceptive stimulations, performed with a 4.0 g von Frey filament applied to the dorsal aspect of their paws. These stimuli elicited reaction in 100% of the cases in non-anaesthetized pups. The results indicate that the high dose significantly reduced responses as compared with the low dose of anaesthesia. With the low dose, <40% of the pups were unresponsive to nociceptive stimulation, whereas the high dose resulted in 50-60% of the animals not responding. Mortality was low irrespective of age or dose, suggesting that doses can be further increased if needed for invasive experimental procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Sanahuja-Irene
- Universitat Jaume I, UP Medicina, Facultat Ciències de la Salut, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - María J Sánchez-Catalán
- Universitat Jaume I, UP Medicina, Facultat Ciències de la Salut, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
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5
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Dudas A, Nakahara TS, Pellissier LP, Chamero P. Parenting behaviors in mice: Olfactory mechanisms and features in models of autism spectrum disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105686. [PMID: 38657845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Rodents, along with numerous other mammals, heavily depend on olfactory cues to navigate their social interactions. Processing of olfactory sensory inputs is mediated by conserved brain circuits that ultimately trigger social behaviors, such as social interactions and parental care. Although innate, parenting is influenced by internal states, social experience, genetics, and the environment, and any significant disruption of these factors can impact the social circuits. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms and social circuits from the olfactory epithelium to central processing that initiate parental behaviors and their dysregulations that may contribute to the social impairments in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We discuss recent advances of the crucial role of olfaction in parental care, its consequences for social interactions, and the reciprocal influence on social interaction impairments in mouse models of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dudas
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Thiago S Nakahara
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
| | - Pablo Chamero
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
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6
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Murata K, Itakura T, Touhara K. Neural basis for pheromone signal transduction in mice. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1409994. [PMID: 38742089 PMCID: PMC11089125 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1409994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pheromones are specialized chemical messengers used for inter-individual communication within the same species, playing crucial roles in modulating behaviors and physiological states. The detection mechanisms of these signals at the peripheral organ and their transduction to the brain have been unclear. However, recent identification of pheromone molecules, their corresponding receptors, and advancements in neuroscientific technology have started to elucidate these processes. In mammals, the detection and interpretation of pheromone signals are primarily attributed to the vomeronasal system, which is a specialized olfactory apparatus predominantly dedicated to decoding socio-chemical cues. In this mini-review, we aim to delineate the vomeronasal signal transduction pathway initiated by specific vomeronasal receptor-ligand interactions in mice. First, we catalog the previously identified pheromone ligands and their corresponding receptor pairs, providing a foundational understanding of the specificity inherent in pheromonal communication. Subsequently, we examine the neural circuits involved in processing each pheromone signal. We focus on the anatomical pathways, the sexually dimorphic and physiological state-dependent aspects of signal transduction, and the neural coding strategies underlying behavioral responses to pheromonal cues. These insights provide further critical questions regarding the development of innate circuit formation and plasticity within these circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Murata
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Itakura
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, TianQiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Kazushige Touhara
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Inada K. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying oxytocin-mediated parental behavior in rodents. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00052-X. [PMID: 38642676 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Parental behavior is essential for mammalian offspring to survive. Because of this significance, elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms that facilitate parental behavior has received strong interest. Decades of studies utilizing pharmacology and molecular biology have revealed that in addition to its facilitatory effects on parturition and lactation, oxytocin (OT) promotes the expression of parental behavior in rodents. Recent studies have also described the modulation of sensory processing by OT and the interaction of the OT system with other brain regions associated with parental behavior. However, the precise neurobiological mechanisms underlying the facilitation of caregiving behaviors by OT remain unclear. In this Review, I summarize the findings from rats and mice with a view toward integrating past and recent progress. I then review recent advances in the understanding of the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms of OT-mediated parental behavior. Based on these observations, I propose a hypothetical model that would explain the mechanisms underlying OT-mediated parental behavior. Finally, I conclude by discussing some major remaining questions and propose potential future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Inada
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.
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8
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Kuroda KO, Fukumitsu K, Kurachi T, Ohmura N, Shiraishi Y, Yoshihara C. Parental brain through time: The origin and development of the neural circuit of mammalian parenting. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1534:24-44. [PMID: 38426943 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This review consolidates current knowledge on mammalian parental care, focusing on its neural mechanisms, evolutionary origins, and derivatives. Neurobiological studies have identified specific neurons in the medial preoptic area as crucial for parental care. Unexpectedly, these neurons are characterized by the expression of molecules signaling satiety, such as calcitonin receptor and BRS3, and overlap with neurons involved in the reproductive behaviors of males but not females. A synthesis of comparative ecology and paleontology suggests an evolutionary scenario for mammalian parental care, possibly stemming from male-biased guarding of offspring in basal vertebrates. The terrestrial transition of tetrapods led to prolonged egg retention in females and the emergence of amniotes, skewing care toward females. The nocturnal adaptation of Mesozoic mammalian ancestors reinforced maternal care for lactation and thermal regulation via endothermy, potentially introducing metabolic gate control in parenting neurons. The established maternal care may have served as the precursor for paternal and cooperative care in mammals and also fostered the development of group living, which may have further contributed to the emergence of empathy and altruism. These evolution-informed working hypotheses require empirical validation, yet they offer promising avenues to investigate the neural underpinnings of mammalian social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumi O Kuroda
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kansai Fukumitsu
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Takuma Kurachi
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nami Ohmura
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Center for Brain, Mind and Kansei Sciences Research, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuko Shiraishi
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Kawamura Gakuen Woman's University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yoshihara
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- School of Life Sciences and Technologies, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
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Rocha A, Nguyen QAT, Haga-Yamanaka S. Type 2 vomeronasal receptor-A4 subfamily: Potential predator sensors in mice. Genesis 2024; 62:e23597. [PMID: 38590121 PMCID: PMC11018355 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Sensory signals detected by olfactory sensory organs are critical regulators of animal behavior. An accessory olfactory organ, the vomeronasal organ, detects cues from other animals and plays a pivotal role in intra- and inter-species interactions in mice. However, how ethologically relevant cues control mouse behavior through approximately 350 vomeronasal sensory receptor proteins largely remains elusive. The type 2 vomeronasal receptor-A4 (V2R-A4) subfamily members have been repeatedly detected from vomeronasal sensory neurons responsive to predator cues, suggesting a potential role of this receptor subfamily as a sensor for predators. This review focuses on this intriguing subfamily, delving into its receptor functions and genetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rocha
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside
| | | | - Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside
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10
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Miyamichi K. Neural basis for behavioral plasticity during the parental life-stage transition in mice. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 17:1340497. [PMID: 38298741 PMCID: PMC10829089 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1340497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Parental care plays a crucial role in the physical and mental well-being of mammalian offspring. Although sexually naïve male mice, as well as certain strains of female mice, display aggression toward pups, they exhibit heightened parental caregiving behaviors as they approach the time of anticipating their offspring. In this Mini Review, I provide a concise overview of the current understanding of distinct limbic neural types and their circuits governing both aggressive and caregiving behaviors toward infant mice. Subsequently, I delve into recent advancements in the understanding of the molecular, cellular, and neural circuit mechanisms that regulate behavioral plasticity during the transition to parenthood, with a specific focus on the sex steroid hormone estrogen and neural hormone oxytocin. Additionally, I explore potential sex-related differences and highlight some critical unanswered questions that warrant further investigation.
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11
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Nguyen QAT, Rocha A, Yamashita Y, Chhor R, Stadler C, Pontrello C, Haga-Yamanaka S. Hypothalamic representation of the imminence of predator threat detected by the vomeronasal organ in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.27.559655. [PMID: 37808690 PMCID: PMC10557655 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Animals have the innate ability to select optimal defensive behavioral outputs with an appropriate intensity in response to predator threat in specific contexts. Such innate behavioral decisions are thought to be computed in the medial hypothalamic nuclei that contain neural populations directly controlling defensive behavioral outputs. The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is one of the major sensory input channels through which predator cues are detected with ascending inputs to the medial hypothalamic nuclei, especially to the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), through the medial amygdala (MeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Here, we show that cat saliva contains predator cues that signal imminence of predator threat and regulate the robustness of freezing behavior through the VNO in mice. Cat saliva activates neurons expressing the V2R-A4 subfamily of sensory receptors, suggesting the existence of specific receptor groups responsible for freezing behavior induced by the predator cues. The number of VNO neurons activated in response to saliva correlates with the freshness of saliva and the intensity of freezing behavior, while the downstream neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and defensive behavioral circuit are quantitatively equally activated by fresh and old saliva. Strikingly, however, only the number of VMH neurons activated by fresh saliva positively correlates with the intensity of freezing behavior. Detailed analysis of the spatial distribution of fresh and old saliva-responding neurons revealed a neuronal population within the VMH that is more sensitive to fresh saliva than old saliva. Taken together, this study demonstrates that predator cues in cat saliva change over time and differentially activate the sensory-to-hypothalamus defensive behavioral pathway to modulate behavioral outputs.
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Lu K, Wong KT, Zhou LN, Shi YT, Yang CJ, Liu RC. Instinct to insight: Neural correlates of ethological strategy learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.11.557240. [PMID: 37745495 PMCID: PMC10515821 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.11.557240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In ethological behaviors like parenting, animals innately follow stereotyped patterns of choices to decide between uncertain outcomes but can learn to modify their strategies to incorporate new information. For example, female mice in a T-maze instinctively use spatial-memory to search for pups where they last found them but can learn more efficient strategies employing pup-associated acoustic cues. We uncovered neural correlates for transitioning between these innate and learned strategies. Auditory cortex (ACx) was required during learning. ACx firing at the nest increased with learning and correlated with subsequent search speed but not outcome. Surprisingly, ACx suppression rather than facilitation during search was more prognostic of correct sound-cued outcomes - even before adopting a sound-cued strategy. Meanwhile medial prefrontal cortex encoded the last pup location, but this decayed as the spatial-memory strategy declined. Our results suggest a neural competition between a weakening spatial-memory and strengthening sound-cued neural representation to mediate strategy switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lu
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kelvin T. Wong
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lin N. Zhou
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yike T. Shi
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Robert C. Liu
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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13
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Smiley KO, Phillipps HR, Fang C, Brown RSE, Grattan DR. Mating-induced prolactin surge is not required for subsequent neurogenesis in male mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1227726. [PMID: 37484521 PMCID: PMC10356981 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1227726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Parenting involves major behavioral transitions that are supported by coordinated neuroendocrine and physiological changes to promote the onset of novel offspring-directed behaviors. In comparison to maternal care, however, the mechanisms underlying the transition to paternal care are less understood. Male laboratory mice are predominantly infanticidal as virgins but show paternal responses 2 weeks after mating. Interestingly, males show a mating-induced surge of prolactin, which we hypothesized may be involved in initiating this behavioral transition. During pregnancy, prolactin stimulates olfactory bulb neurogenesis, which is essential for maternal behavior. Mating induces olfactory bulb neurogenesis in males, but it is unknown whether this is driven by prolactin or is important for subsequent paternal care. New olfactory neurons are generated from cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and take about 2 weeks to migrate to the olfactory bulb, which may account for the delayed behavioral change in mated males. We investigated whether mating increases cell proliferation at the SVZ. Males were either mated, exposed to receptive female cues, or left alone (control) and injected with Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU, a marker of cell division). Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that mating decreased cell proliferation in the caudal lateral portion of the SVZ. Next, we tested whether prolactin itself mediates cell proliferation in the SVZ and/or new cell survival in the olfactory bulb by administering bromocriptine (prolactin inhibitor), vehicle, or bromocriptine + prolactin prior to mating. While suppressing prolactin had no effect on cell proliferation in the SVZ, administering exogenous prolactin resulted in significantly higher BrdU-labeled cells in mated but not virgin male mice. No effects of prolactin were observed on new olfactory cell survival. Taken together, prolactin may have context-dependent effects on new cell division in the SVZ, while other unknown mechanisms may be driving the effects on new olfactory cell survival following mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O. Smiley
- Department of Anatomy, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hollian R. Phillipps
- Department of Anatomy, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Chenyun Fang
- Department of Anatomy, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary S. E. Brown
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David R. Grattan
- Department of Anatomy, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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14
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Wilson KM, Arquilla AM, Saltzman W. The parental umwelt: Effects of parenthood on sensory processing in rodents. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13237. [PMID: 36792373 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
An animal's umwelt, comprising its perception of the sensory environment, which is inherently subjective, can change across the lifespan in accordance with major life events. In mammals, the onset of motherhood, in particular, is associated with a neural and sensory plasticity that alters a mother's detection and use of sensory information such as infant-related sensory stimuli. Although the literature surrounding mammalian mothers is well established, very few studies have addressed the effects of parenthood on sensory plasticity in mammalian fathers. In this review, we summarize the major findings on the effects of parenthood on behavioural and neural responses to sensory stimuli from pups in rodent mothers, with a focus on the olfactory, auditory, and somatosensory systems, as well as multisensory integration. We also review the available literature on sensory plasticity in rodent fathers. Finally, we discuss the importance of sensory plasticity for effective parental care, hormonal modulation of plasticity, and an exploration of temporal, ecological, and life-history considerations of sensory plasticity associated with parenthood. The changes in processing and/or perception of sensory stimuli associated with the onset of parental care may have both transient and long-lasting effects on parental behaviour and cognition in both mothers and fathers; as such, several promising areas of study, such as on the molecular/genetic, neurochemical, and experiential underpinnings of parenthood-related sensory plasticity, as well as determinants of interspecific variation, remain potential avenues for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerianne M Wilson
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - April M Arquilla
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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15
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Arquilla AM, Wilson KM, Razak KA, Saltzman W. Fatherhood increases attraction to sensory stimuli from unrelated pups in male California mice, Peromyscus californicus. Anim Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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16
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Haimson B, Mizrahi A. Plasticity in auditory cortex during parenthood. Hear Res 2023; 431:108738. [PMID: 36931020 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Most animals display robust parental behaviors that support the survival and well-being of their offspring. The manifestation of parental behaviors is accompanied by physiological and hormonal changes, which affect both the body and the brain for better care giving. Rodents exhibit a behavior called pup retrieval - a stereotyped sequence of perception and action - used to identify and retrieve their newborn pups back to the nest. Pup retrieval consists of a significant auditory component, which depends on plasticity in the auditory cortex (ACx). We review the evidence of neural changes taking place in the ACx of rodents during the transition to parenthood. We discuss how the plastic changes both in and out of the ACx support the encoding of pup vocalizations. Key players in the mechanism of this plasticity are hormones and experience, both of which have a clear dynamic signature during the transition to parenthood. Mothers, co caring females, and fathers have been used as models to understand parental plasticity at disparate levels of organization. Yet, common principles of cortical plasticity and the biological mechanisms underlying its involvement in parental behavior are just beginning to be unpacked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruch Haimson
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, and 2Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| | - Adi Mizrahi
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, and 2Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
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17
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Lacalle-Bergeron L, Goterris-Cerisuelo R, Beltran J, Sancho JV, Navarro-Moreno C, Martinez-Garcia F, Portolés T. Untargeted metabolomics approach using UHPLC-IMS-QTOF MS for surface body samples to identify low-volatility chemosignals related to maternal care in mice. Talanta 2023; 258:124389. [PMID: 36867958 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The present study is focused on the determination of low-volatile chemosignals excreted or secreted by mouse pups in their early days of life involved in maternal care induction in mice adult females. Untargeted metabolomics was employed to differentiate between samples collected with swabs from facial and anogenital area from neonatal mouse pups receiving maternal care (first two weeks of life) and the elder mouse pups in the weaning period (4th week old). The sample extracts were analysed by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to ion mobility separation (IMS) in combination with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). After data processing with Progenesis QI and multivariate statistical analysis, five markers present in the first two weeks of mouse pups life and putatively involved in materno-filial chemical communication were tentatively identified: arginine, urocanic acid, erythro-sphingosine (d17:1), sphingosine (d18:1) and sphinganine. The four-dimensional data and the tools associated to the additional structural descriptor obtained by IMS separation were of great help in the compound identification. The results demonstrated the great potential of UHPLC-IMS-HRMS based untargeted metabolomics to identity putative pheromones in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Lacalle-Bergeron
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/N, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Rafael Goterris-Cerisuelo
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroanatomy (Unitat Mixta NeuroFun-UV-UJI), Predepartamental Unit of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/N, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Joaquin Beltran
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/N, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Juan Vicente Sancho
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/N, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Cinta Navarro-Moreno
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroanatomy (Unitat Mixta NeuroFun-UV-UJI), Predepartamental Unit of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/N, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Fernando Martinez-Garcia
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroanatomy (Unitat Mixta NeuroFun-UV-UJI), Predepartamental Unit of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/N, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Tania Portolés
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/N, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.
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18
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Hearing Vocalizations during First Social Experience with Pups Increase Bdnf Transcription in Mouse Auditory Cortex. Neural Plast 2023; 2023:5225952. [PMID: 36845359 PMCID: PMC9946766 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5225952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
While infant cues are often assumed to innately motivate maternal response, recent research highlights how the neural coding of infant cues is altered through maternal care. Infant vocalizations are important social signals for caregivers, and evidence from mice suggests that experience caring for mouse pups induces inhibitory plasticity in the auditory cortex (AC), though the molecular mediators for such AC plasticity during the initial pup experience are not well delineated. Here, we used the maternal mouse communication model to explore whether transcription in AC of a specific, inhibition-linked, memory-associated gene, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) changes due to the very first pup caring experience hearing vocalizations, while controlling for the systemic influence of the hormone estrogen. Ovariectomized and estradiol or blank-implanted virgin female mice hearing pup calls with pups present had significantly higher AC exon IV Bdnf mRNA compared to females without pups present, suggesting that the social context of vocalizations induces immediate molecular changes at the site of auditory cortical processing. E2 influenced the rate of maternal behavior but did not significantly affect Bdnf mRNA transcription in the AC. To our knowledge, this is the first time Bdnf has been associated with processing social vocalizations in the AC, and our results suggest that it is a potential molecular component responsible for enhancing future recognition of infant cues by contributing to AC plasticity.
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19
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Locus Coeruleus-Noradrenergic Neurons Regulate Stress Coping During Subchronic Exposure to Social Threats: A Characteristic Feature in Postpartum Female Mice. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022:10.1007/s10571-022-01314-4. [PMID: 36577871 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01314-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Stress-coping strategies have been implicated in depression. The control of stress coping may improve the symptom and higher prevalence of depression during the postpartum period in women. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying stress coping remain to be fully elucidated in postpartum women. In this study, we examined how locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NA) neurons, which have been associated with both stress coping and depression, regulate changes in coping style induced by subchronic exposure to unfamiliar male mice as a social threat in postpartum female mice. In contrast to virgin females, dams exposed to unfamiliar males daily for four consecutive days showed reduced immobility duration in the forced swim test, indicating that exposure to unfamiliar males decreased passive stress coping in dams. Exposure to unfamiliar males also decreased sucrose palatability in the sucrose preference test and suppressed the crouching behavior in the maternal care test but did not affect anxiety-like behavior in the hole-board test in dams. In fiber photometry analyses, LC-NA neurons showed differential activity between dams and virgin females in response to unfamiliar males. Chemogenetic inhibition of LC-NA neurons during exposure to unfamiliar males prevented the social threat-induced decrease in immobility duration in the forced swim test in dams. Furthermore, inhibition or activation of LC-NA neurons exacerbated crouching behavior in dams. These results indicate that LC-NA neurons regulate the social threat-induced decrease in passive stress coping and relieve social threat-induced inhibition of maternal care in postpartum female mice.
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20
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Hoglen NEG, Manoli DS. Cupid's quiver: Integrating sensory cues in rodent mating systems. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:944895. [PMID: 35958042 PMCID: PMC9358210 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.944895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In many animal species, males and females exploit different mating strategies, display sex-typical behaviors, and use distinct systems to recognize ethologically relevant cues. Mate selection thus requires mutual recognition across diverse social interactions based on distinct sensory signals. These sex differences in courtship and mating behaviors correspond to differences in sensory systems and downstream neural substrates engaged to recognize and respond to courtship signals. In many rodents, males tend to rely heavily on volatile olfactory and pheromone cues, while females appear to be guided more by a combination of these chemosensory signals with acoustic cues in the form of ultrasonic vocalizations. The mechanisms by which chemical and acoustic cues are integrated to control behavior are understudied in mating but are known to be important in the control of maternal behaviors. Socially monogamous species constitute a behaviorally distinct group of rodents. In these species, anatomic differences between males and females outside the nervous system are less prominent than in species with non-monogamous mating systems, and both sexes engage in more symmetric social behaviors and form attachments. Nevertheless, despite the apparent similarities in behaviors displayed by monogamous males and females, the circuitry supporting social, mating, and attachment behaviors in these species is increasingly thought to differ between the sexes. Sex differences in sensory modalities most important for mate recognition in across species are of particular interest and present a wealth of questions yet to be answered. Here, we discuss how distinct sensory cues may be integrated to drive social and attachment behaviors in rodents, and the differing roles of specific sensory systems in eliciting displays of behavior by females or males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerissa E G Hoglen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Devanand S Manoli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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21
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Wilson KM, Arquilla AM, Rosales-Torres KM, Hussein M, Chan MG, Razak KA, Saltzman W. Neural responses to pup calls and pup odors in California mouse fathers and virgin males. Behav Brain Res 2022; 434:114024. [PMID: 35882277 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The onset of mammalian maternal care is associated with plasticity in neural processing of infant-related sensory stimuli; however, little is known about sensory plasticity associated with fatherhood. We quantified behavioral and neural responses of virgin males and new fathers to olfactory and auditory stimuli from young, unfamiliar pups in the biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus). Each male was exposed for 10minutes to one of four combinations of a chemosensory stimulus (pup-scented or unscented cotton [control]) and an auditory stimulus (pup vocalizations or white noise [control]). Behavior did not differ between fathers and virgins during exposure to sensory stimuli or during the following hour; however, males in both groups were more active both during and after exposure to pup-related stimuli compared to control stimuli. Fathers had lower expression of Fos in the main olfactory bulbs (MOB) but higher expression in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis medial division, ventral part (STMV) compared to virgins. Lastly, males had higher Fos expression in MPOA when exposed to pup odor compared to control stimuli, and when exposed to pup odor and pup calls compared to pup calls only or control stimuli. These findings suggest that the onset of fatherhood alters activity of MOB, MPOA and STMV and that pup odors and vocalizations have additive or synergistic effects on males' behavior and MPOA activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerianne M Wilson
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA.
| | - April M Arquilla
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
| | - Kelsey M Rosales-Torres
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
| | - Manal Hussein
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
| | - May G Chan
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA; Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA USA
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22
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The role of ciliopathy-associated type 3 adenylyl cyclase in infanticidal behavior in virgin adult male mice. iScience 2022; 25:104534. [PMID: 35754726 PMCID: PMC9218507 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Virgin adult male mice often display killing of alien newborns, defined as infanticide, and this behavior is dependent on olfactory signaling. Olfactory perception is achieved by the main olfactory system (MOS) or vomeronasal system (VNS). Although it has been established that the VNS is crucial for infanticide in male mice, the role of the MOS in infanticide remains unknown. Herein, by producing lesions via ZnSO4 perfusion and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid stereotactic injection, we demonstrated that the main olfactory epithelium (MOE), anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), or ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is crucial for infanticide in adult males. By using CRISPR-Cas9 coupled with adeno-associated viruses to induce specific knockdown of type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3) in these tissues, we further demonstrated that AC3, a ciliopathy-associated protein, in the MOE and the expression of related proteins in the AON or VMH are necessary for infanticidal behavior in virgin adult male mice. MOE lesions and knockdown of AC3 in the MOE result in abnormal infanticidal behavior The infanticidal behavior of male mice is impaired by lesioning of the AON or VMH AC3 knockdown in the AON or VMH affects the infanticidal behavior of male mice
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23
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Chibly AM, Aure MH, Patel VN, Hoffman MP. Salivary gland function, development, and regeneration. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:1495-1552. [PMID: 35343828 PMCID: PMC9126227 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00015.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Salivary glands produce and secrete saliva, which is essential for maintaining oral health and overall health. Understanding both the unique structure and physiological function of salivary glands, as well as how they are affected by disease and injury, will direct the development of therapy to repair and regenerate them. Significant recent advances, particularly in the OMICS field, increase our understanding of how salivary glands develop at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels: the signaling pathways involved, the dynamics of progenitor cell lineages in development, homeostasis, and regeneration, and the role of the extracellular matrix microenvironment. These provide a template for cell and gene therapies as well as bioengineering approaches to repair or regenerate salivary function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro M Chibly
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marit H Aure
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vaishali N Patel
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Matthew P Hoffman
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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24
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Rosen SF, Lima LV, Chen C, Nejade R, Zhao M, Nemoto W, Toprak E, Skvortsova A, Tansley SN, Zumbusch A, Sotocinal SG, Pittman C, Mogil JS. Olfactory exposure to late-pregnant and lactating mice causes stress-induced analgesia in male mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi9366. [PMID: 35594354 PMCID: PMC9122321 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi9366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In an attempt to improve reproducibility, more attention is being paid to potential sources of stress in the laboratory environment. Here, we report that the mere proximity of pregnant or lactating female mice causes olfactory-mediated stress-induced analgesia, to a variety of noxious stimuli, in gonadally intact male mice. We show that exposure to volatile compounds released in the urine of pregnant and lactating female mice can themselves produce stress and associated pain inhibition. This phenomenon, a novel form of female-to-male chemosignaling, is mediated by female scent marking of urinary volatiles, such as n-pentyl-acetate, and likely signals potential maternal aggression aimed at defending against infanticide by stranger males.
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25
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Bailey S, Isogai Y. Parenting as a model for behavioural switches. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 73:102543. [PMID: 35483309 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Adaptability to ethologically relevant cues is fundamental for social interactions. As such, reproductive success relies on the ability of an animal to transition between parental and nonparental states. Though driven by genetically pre-programmed circuits, these instinctive repertoires are reshaped by internal state and experience, making parenting a robust model for the study of behavioural flexibility. As a functional wiring diagram for parenting emerges in mice, we are well placed to identify neural substrates and posit associated mechanisms underlying caregiving transitions. In this review, we discuss the importance of comprehensively characterising behaviour, highlight the role of shared circuit elements for behavioural malleability and explore plastic mechanisms that might guide switches between parental and nonparental repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanice Bailey
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, 26 Howland Street, London, W1T 4JG, United Kingdom
| | - Yoh Isogai
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, 26 Howland Street, London, W1T 4JG, United Kingdom.
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26
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Osakada T, Abe T, Itakura T, Mori H, Ishii KK, Eguchi R, Murata K, Saito K, Haga-Yamanaka S, Kimoto H, Yoshihara Y, Miyamichi K, Touhara K. Hemoglobin in the blood acts as a chemosensory signal via the mouse vomeronasal system. Nat Commun 2022; 13:556. [PMID: 35115521 PMCID: PMC8814178 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28118-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal system plays an essential role in sensing various environmental chemical cues. Here we show that mice exposed to blood and, consequently, hemoglobin results in the activation of vomeronasal sensory neurons expressing a specific vomeronasal G protein-coupled receptor, Vmn2r88, which is mediated by the interaction site, Gly17, on hemoglobin. The hemoglobin signal reaches the medial amygdala (MeA) in both male and female mice. However, it activates the dorsal part of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHd) only in lactating female mice. As a result, in lactating mothers, hemoglobin enhances digging and rearing behavior. Manipulation of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1)-expressing neurons in the VMHd is sufficient to induce the hemoglobin-mediated behaviors. Our results suggest that the oxygen-carrier hemoglobin plays a role as a chemosensory signal, eliciting behavioral responses in mice in a state-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Osakada
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takayuki Abe
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takumi Itakura
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiromi Mori
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kentaro K Ishii
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Ryo Eguchi
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Ken Murata
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kosuke Saito
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kimoto
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yoshihara
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazunari Miyamichi
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kazushige Touhara
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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Finton CJ, Kelly AM, Ophir AG. Support for the parental practice hypothesis: Subadult prairie voles exhibit similar behavioral and neural profiles when alloparenting kin and non-kin. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113571. [PMID: 34499932 PMCID: PMC8578440 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Parental care is critical for offspring survival in altricial species. Although parents are the most common caregivers, other individuals (e.g., older siblings) can also provide alloparental care. Some have argued that animals engage in alloparental behavior to practice providing care for their eventual offspring, whereas others have argued that alloparental behavior enhances indirect fitness. Proximate measures have the potential to test ultimate functions of behavior. A focus on neural expression of oxytocin and vasopressin (two neuropeptides modulating alloparental care) or neural activation following exposure to related and unrelated individuals could reveal whether practice or investment in indirect fitness explains alloparental behavior. This study examined alloparental behaviors and neural responses in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a species that engages in alloparental behavior. Subadult (independent, yet sexually immature) male prairie voles were exposed to one of four stimuli: same-age sibling, neonatal sibling, unrelated neonate, or inanimate neonate-sized object. We assessed alloparental behaviors and quantified cFos protein expression in oxytocin and vasopressin neuronal populations of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus in response to stimulus exposure. We detected no differences in cFos and nonapeptide co-localization among stimulus groups. Subjects performed similar amounts of alloparental care toward related and unrelated neonates, but not other subadults or inanimate objects. Notably, caregiving did not differ based on kin-status. The lack of difference in alloparenting toward related and non-related neonates suggests that alloparental care in prairie voles primarily serves to provide subadults with parental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander G. Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY,Corresponding author: Alexander Ophir 211 Uris Hall Department of Psychology Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853, USA Phone: 1-607-255-3714
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28
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Noto T, Zhou G, Yang Q, Lane G, Zelano C. Human Primary Olfactory Amygdala Subregions Form Distinct Functional Networks, Suggesting Distinct Olfactory Functions. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:752320. [PMID: 34955769 PMCID: PMC8695617 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.752320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Three subregions of the amygdala receive monosynaptic projections from the olfactory bulb, making them part of the primary olfactory cortex. These primary olfactory areas are located at the anterior-medial aspect of the amygdala and include the medial amygdala (MeA), cortical amygdala (CoA), and the periamygdaloid complex (PAC). The vast majority of research on the amygdala has focused on the larger basolateral and basomedial subregions, which are known to be involved in implicit learning, threat responses, and emotion. Fewer studies have focused on the MeA, CoA, and PAC, with most conducted in rodents. Therefore, our understanding of the functions of these amygdala subregions is limited, particularly in humans. Here, we first conducted a review of existing literature on the MeA, CoA, and PAC. We then used resting-state fMRI and unbiased k-means clustering techniques to show that the anatomical boundaries of human MeA, CoA, and PAC accurately parcellate based on their whole-brain resting connectivity patterns alone, suggesting that their functional networks are distinct, relative both to each other and to the amygdala subregions that do not receive input from the olfactory bulb. Finally, considering that distinct functional networks are suggestive of distinct functions, we examined the whole-brain resting network of each subregion and speculated on potential roles that each region may play in olfactory processing. Based on these analyses, we speculate that the MeA could potentially be involved in the generation of rapid motor responses to olfactory stimuli (including fight/flight), particularly in approach/avoid contexts. The CoA could potentially be involved in olfactory-related reward processing, including learning and memory of approach/avoid responses. The PAC could potentially be involved in the multisensory integration of olfactory information with other sensory systems. These speculations can be used to form the basis of future studies aimed at clarifying the olfactory functions of these under-studied primary olfactory areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Noto
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Guangyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Qiaohan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gregory Lane
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christina Zelano
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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29
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Novel sampling strategy for alive animal volatolome extraction combined with GC-MS based untargeted metabolomics: Identifying mouse pup pheromones. Talanta 2021; 235:122786. [PMID: 34517644 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we identify 11 mouse pup volatiles putatively involved in maternal care induction in adult females. For this purpose, we have adapted the dynamic headspace methodology to extract the volatolome of whole alive animals. Untargeted metabolomic methodology was used to compare the volatolome of neonatal (4-6 days) with elder pups until the age of weaning (21-23 days old). Pup volatolome was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to single quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) using automated thermal desorption for sample introduction. After data processing and multivariate statistical analysis, comparison with NIST spectral library allowed identifying compounds secreted preferentially by neonatal pups: di(propylen glycol) methyl ether, 4-nonenal, di(ethylene glycol) monobutyl ether, 2-phenoxyethanol, isomethyl ionone, tridecanal, 1,3-diethylbenzene, 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene, 2-ethyl-p-xylene and tri(propylene glycol) methyl ether. Palmitic acid was enriched in the volatolome of fourth week youngsters compared to neonatal pups. The results demonstrated the great potential of the new sampling procedure combined with GC-MS based untargeted volatolomics to identify volatile pheromones in mammals.
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30
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Mishor E, Amir D, Weiss T, Honigstein D, Weissbrod A, Livne E, Gorodisky L, Karagach S, Ravia A, Snitz K, Karawani D, Zirler R, Weissgross R, Soroka T, Endevelt-Shapira Y, Agron S, Rozenkrantz L, Reshef N, Furman-Haran E, Breer H, Strotmann J, Uebi T, Ozaki M, Sobel N. Sniffing the human body volatile hexadecanal blocks aggression in men but triggers aggression in women. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg1530. [PMID: 34797713 PMCID: PMC8604408 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In terrestrial mammals, body volatiles can effectively trigger or block conspecific aggression. Here, we tested whether hexadecanal (HEX), a human body volatile implicated as a mammalian-wide social chemosignal, affects human aggression. Using validated behavioral paradigms, we observed a marked dissociation: Sniffing HEX blocked aggression in men but triggered aggression in women. Next, using functional brain imaging, we uncovered a pattern of brain activity mirroring behavior: In both men and women, HEX increased activity in the left angular gyrus, an area implicated in perception of social cues. HEX then modulated functional connectivity between the angular gyrus and a brain network implicated in social appraisal (temporal pole) and aggressive execution (amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex) in a sex-dependent manner consistent with behavior: increasing connectivity in men but decreasing connectivity in women. These findings implicate sex-specific social chemosignaling at the mechanistic heart of human aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Mishor
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel Amir
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Weiss
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Danielle Honigstein
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aharon Weissbrod
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ethan Livne
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lior Gorodisky
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shiri Karagach
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aharon Ravia
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kobi Snitz
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Diyala Karawani
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rotem Zirler
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Reut Weissgross
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Timna Soroka
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaara Endevelt-Shapira
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shani Agron
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liron Rozenkrantz
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Netta Reshef
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Edna Furman-Haran
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Heinz Breer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Joerg Strotmann
- Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tatsuya Uebi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Mamiko Ozaki
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Noam Sobel
- Azrieli National Center for Brain Imaging and Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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31
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Báez-Mendoza R, Vázquez Y, Mastrobattista EP, Williams ZM. Neuronal Circuits for Social Decision-Making and Their Clinical Implications. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:720294. [PMID: 34658766 PMCID: PMC8517320 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.720294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social living facilitates individual access to rewards, cognitive resources, and objects that would not be otherwise accessible. There are, however, some drawbacks to social living, particularly when competing for scarce resources. Furthermore, variability in our ability to make social decisions can be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal mechanisms underlying social decision-making are beginning to be understood. The momentum to study this phenomenon has been partially carried over by the study of economic decision-making. Yet, because of the similarities between these different types of decision-making, it is unclear what is a social decision. Here, we propose a definition of social decision-making as choices taken in a context where one or more conspecifics are involved in the decision or the consequences of it. Social decisions can be conceptualized as complex economic decisions since they are based on the subjective preferences between different goods. During social decisions, individuals choose based on their internal value estimate of the different alternatives. These are complex decisions given that conspecifics beliefs or actions could modify the subject's internal valuations at every choice. Here, we first review recent developments in our collective understanding of the neuronal mechanisms and circuits of social decision-making in primates. We then review literature characterizing populations with neuropsychiatric disorders showing deficits in social decision-making and the underlying neuronal circuitries associated with these deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymundo Báez-Mendoza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yuriria Vázquez
- Laboratory of Neural Systems, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emma P. Mastrobattista
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ziv M. Williams
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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32
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Autry AE, Wu Z, Kapoor V, Kohl J, Bambah-Mukku D, Rubinstein ND, Marin-Rodriguez B, Carta I, Sedwick V, Tang M, Dulac C. Urocortin-3 neurons in the mouse perifornical area promote infant-directed neglect and aggression. eLife 2021; 10:e64680. [PMID: 34423776 PMCID: PMC8452308 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While recent studies have uncovered dedicated neural pathways mediating the positive control of parenting, the regulation of infant-directed aggression and how it relates to adult-adult aggression is poorly understood. Here we show that urocortin-3 (Ucn3)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic perifornical area (PeFAUcn3) are activated during infant-directed attacks in males and females, but not other behaviors. Functional manipulations of PeFAUcn3 neurons demonstrate the role of this population in the negative control of parenting in both sexes. PeFAUcn3 neurons receive input from areas associated with vomeronasal sensing, stress, and parenting, and send projections to hypothalamic and limbic areas. Optogenetic activation of PeFAUcn3 axon terminals in these regions triggers various aspects of infant-directed agonistic responses, such as neglect, repulsion, and aggression. Thus, PeFAUcn3 neurons emerge as a dedicated circuit component controlling infant-directed neglect and aggression, providing a new framework to understand the positive and negative regulation of parenting in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita E Autry
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Zheng Wu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Vikrant Kapoor
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Johannes Kohl
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Dhananjay Bambah-Mukku
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Nimrod D Rubinstein
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Brenda Marin-Rodriguez
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Ilaria Carta
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Victoria Sedwick
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Ming Tang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- FAS Informatics Group, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Catherine Dulac
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
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33
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Bansal R, Nagel M, Stopkova R, Sofer Y, Kimchi T, Stopka P, Spehr M, Ben-Shaul Y. Do all mice smell the same? Chemosensory cues from inbred and wild mouse strains elicit stereotypic sensory representations in the accessory olfactory bulb. BMC Biol 2021; 19:133. [PMID: 34182994 PMCID: PMC8240315 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For many animals, chemosensory cues are vital for social and defensive interactions and are primarily detected and processed by the vomeronasal system (VNS). These cues are often inherently associated with ethological meaning, leading to stereotyped behaviors. Thus, one would expect consistent representation of these stimuli across different individuals. However, individuals may express different arrays of vomeronasal sensory receptors and may vary in the pattern of connections between those receptors and projection neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). In the first part of this study, we address the ability of individuals to form consistent representations despite these potential sources of variability. The second part of our study is motivated by the fact that the majority of research on VNS physiology involves the use of stimuli derived from inbred animals. Yet, it is unclear whether neuronal representations of inbred-derived stimuli are similar to those of more ethologically relevant wild-derived stimuli. Results First, we compared sensory representations to inbred, wild-derived, and wild urine stimuli in the AOBs of males from two distinct inbred strains, using them as proxies for individuals. We found a remarkable similarity in stimulus representations across the two strains. Next, we compared AOB neuronal responses to inbred, wild-derived, and wild stimuli, again using male inbred mice as subjects. Employing various measures of neuronal activity, we show that wild-derived and wild stimuli elicit responses that are broadly similar to those from inbred stimuli: they are not considerably stronger or weaker, they show similar levels of sexual dimorphism, and when examining population-level activity, cluster with inbred mouse stimuli. Conclusions Despite strain-specific differences and apparently random connectivity, the AOB can maintain stereotypic sensory representations for broad stimulus categories, providing a substrate for common stereotypical behaviors. In addition, despite many generations of inbreeding, AOB representations capture the key ethological features (i.e., species and sex) of wild-derived and wild counterparts. Beyond these broad similarities, representations of stimuli from wild mice are nevertheless distinct from those elicited by inbred mouse stimuli, suggesting that laboratory inbreeding has indeed resulted in marked modifications of urinary secretions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01064-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Bansal
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maximilian Nagel
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Romana Stopkova
- BIOCEV group, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yizhak Sofer
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Pavel Stopka
- BIOCEV group, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yoram Ben-Shaul
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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34
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Niimura Y, Tsunoda M, Kato S, Murata K, Yanagawa T, Suzuki S, Touhara K. Origin and Evolution of the Gene Family of Proteinaceous Pheromones, the Exocrine Gland-Secreting Peptides, in Rodents. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:634-649. [PMID: 32961551 PMCID: PMC7826187 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The exocrine-gland secreting peptide (ESP)gene family encodes proteinaceous pheromones that are recognized by the vomeronasal organ in mice. For example, ESP1 is a male pheromone secreted in tear fluid that regulates socio-sexual behavior, and ESP22 is a juvenile pheromone that suppresses adult sexual behavior. The family consists of multiple genes and has been identified only in mouse and rat genomes. The coding region of a mouse ESP gene is separated into two exons, each encoding signal and mature sequences. Here, we report the origin and evolution of the ESP gene family. ESP genes were found only in the Muridea and Cricetidae families of rodents, suggesting a recent origin of ESP genes in the common ancestor of murids and cricetids. ESP genes show a great diversity in number, length, and sequence among different species as well as mouse strains. Some ESPs in rats and golden hamsters are expressed in the lacrimal gland and the salivary gland. We also found that a mature sequence of an ESP gene showed overall sequence similarity to the α-globin gene. The ancestral ESP gene seems to be generated by recombination of a retrotransposed α-globin gene with the signal-encoding exon of the CRISP2 gene located adjacent to the ESP gene cluster. This study provides an intriguing example of molecular tinkering in rapidly evolving species-specific proteinaceous pheromone genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Niimura
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Tsunoda
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sari Kato
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Murata
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taichi Yanagawa
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunta Suzuki
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Touhara
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Institutes for Advanced Study, International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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35
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Yoshihara C, Tokita K, Maruyama T, Kaneko M, Tsuneoka Y, Fukumitsu K, Miyazawa E, Shinozuka K, Huang AJ, Nishimori K, McHugh TJ, Tanaka M, Itohara S, Touhara K, Miyamichi K, Kuroda KO. Calcitonin receptor signaling in the medial preoptic area enables risk-taking maternal care. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109204. [PMID: 34077719 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal mammals exhibit heightened motivation to care for offspring, but the underlying neuromolecular mechanisms have yet to be clarified. Here, we report that the calcitonin receptor (Calcr) and its ligand amylin are expressed in distinct neuronal populations in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and are upregulated in mothers. Calcr+ MPOA neurons activated by parental care project to somatomotor and monoaminergic brainstem nuclei. Retrograde monosynaptic tracing reveals that significant modification of afferents to Calcr+ neurons occurs in mothers. Knockdown of either Calcr or amylin gene expression hampers risk-taking maternal care, and specific silencing of Calcr+ MPOA neurons inhibits nurturing behaviors, while pharmacogenetic activation prevents infanticide in virgin males. These data indicate that Calcr+ MPOA neurons are required for both maternal and allomaternal nurturing behaviors and that upregulation of amylin-Calcr signaling in the MPOA at least partially mediates risk-taking maternal care, possibly via modified connectomics of Calcr+ neurons postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Yoshihara
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tokita
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; The Institute of Natural Sciences, Senshu University, Tokyo 101-8425, Japan
| | - Teppo Maruyama
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Applied Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Misato Kaneko
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Applied Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Yousuke Tsuneoka
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan
| | - Kansai Fukumitsu
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Eri Miyazawa
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Shinozuka
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Arthur J Huang
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Obesity and Internal Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanaka
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Applied Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Itohara
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazushige Touhara
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazunari Miyamichi
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Laboratory for Comparative Connectomics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kumi O Kuroda
- Laboratory for Affiliative Social Behavior, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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36
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Zhu Z, Ma Q, Miao L, Yang H, Pan L, Li K, Zeng LH, Zhang X, Wu J, Hao S, Lin S, Ma X, Mai W, Feng X, Hao Y, Sun L, Duan S, Yu YQ. A substantia innominata-midbrain circuit controls a general aggressive response. Neuron 2021; 109:1540-1553.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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37
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Raam T, Hong W. Organization of neural circuits underlying social behavior: A consideration of the medial amygdala. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 68:124-136. [PMID: 33940499 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The medial amygdala (MeA) is critical for the expression of a broad range of social behaviors, and is also connected to many other brain regions that mediate those same behaviors. Here, we summarize recent advances toward elucidating mechanisms that enable the MeA to regulate a diversity of social behaviors, and also consider what role the MeA plays within the broader network of regions that orchestrate social sensorimotor transformations. We outline the molecular, anatomical, and electrophysiological features of the MeA that segregate distinct social behaviors, propose experimental strategies to disambiguate sensory representations from behavioral function in the context of a social interaction, and consider to what extent MeA function may overlap with other regions mediating similar behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Raam
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Weizhe Hong
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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38
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Serrano-Saiz E, Isogai Y. Single-cell molecular and developmental perspectives of sexually dimorphic circuits underlying innate social behaviors. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 68:159-166. [PMID: 33915498 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While single-cell transcriptomics in the brain has uncovered a vast diversity of neural cell types in unprecedented detail, it is becoming increasingly urgent to address what exactly their functional roles are in the context of circuits and behavior. In this review, we discuss the molecular profiling of cell types in circuits underlying social behaviors in mice as a prominent case study. We first highlight key roles of molecularly identified sensory and downstream neurons involved in sexually dimorphic behaviors. We then propose future opportunities to define cell types using multimodal criteria, especially gene expression, physiology, as well as the developmental origin, to advance our understanding of these circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoh Isogai
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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39
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Tsuneoka Y, Funato H. Cellular Composition of the Preoptic Area Regulating Sleep, Parental, and Sexual Behavior. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:649159. [PMID: 33867927 PMCID: PMC8044373 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.649159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The preoptic area (POA) has long been recognized as a sleep center, first proposed by von Economo. The POA, especially the medial POA (MPOA), is also involved in the regulation of various innate functions such as sexual and parental behaviors. Consistent with its many roles, the MPOA is composed of subregions that are identified by different gene and protein expressions. This review addresses the current understanding of the molecular and cellular architecture of POA neurons in relation to sleep and reproductive behavior. Optogenetic and pharmacogenetic studies have revealed a diverse group of neurons within the POA that exhibit different neural activity patterns depending on vigilance states and whose activity can enhance or suppress wake, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These sleep-regulating neurons are not restricted to the ventrolateral POA (VLPO) region but are widespread in the lateral MPOA and LPOA as well. Neurons expressing galanin also express gonadal steroid receptors and regulate motivational aspects of reproductive behaviors. Moxd1, a novel marker of sexually dimorphic nuclei (SDN), visualizes the SDN of the POA (SDN-POA). The role of the POA in sleep and other innate behaviors has been addressed separately; more integrated observation will be necessary to obtain physiologically relevant insight that penetrates the different dimensions of animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Tsuneoka
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Funato
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan.,International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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40
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Qian KY, Zeng WX, Hao Y, Zeng XT, Liu H, Li L, Chen L, Tian FM, Chang C, Hall Q, Song CX, Gao S, Hu Z, Kaplan JM, Li Q, Tong XJ. Male pheromones modulate synaptic transmission at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction in a sexually dimorphic manner. eLife 2021; 10:e67170. [PMID: 33787493 PMCID: PMC8051947 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of functional synapses in the nervous system is important for animal physiology and behaviors, and its disturbance has been linked with many neurodevelopmental disorders. The synaptic transmission efficacy can be modulated by the environment to accommodate external changes, which is crucial for animal reproduction and survival. However, the underlying plasticity of synaptic transmission remains poorly understood. Here we show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, the male environment increases the hermaphrodite cholinergic transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which alters hermaphrodites' locomotion velocity and mating efficiency. We identify that the male-specific pheromones mediate this synaptic transmission modulation effect in a developmental stage-dependent manner. Dissection of the sensory circuits reveals that the AWB chemosensory neurons sense those male pheromones and further transduce the information to NMJ using cGMP signaling. Exposure of hermaphrodites to the male pheromones specifically increases the accumulation of presynaptic CaV2 calcium channels and clustering of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors at cholinergic synapses of NMJ, which potentiates cholinergic synaptic transmission. Thus, our study demonstrates a circuit mechanism for synaptic modulation and behavioral flexibility by sexual dimorphic pheromones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Ying Qian
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Wan-Xin Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Xian-Ting Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haowen Liu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Lei Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Lili Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Fu-min Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Cindy Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Qi Hall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Chun-Xue Song
- Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Shangbang Gao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Joshua M Kaplan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Qian Li
- Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired IntelligenceShanghaiChina
| | - Xia-Jing Tong
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech UniversityShanghaiChina
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41
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Gerasimenko M, Lopatina O, Munesue S, Harashima A, Yokoyama S, Yamamoto Y, Higashida H. Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) plays a critical role in retrieval behavior of mother mice at early postpartum. Physiol Behav 2021; 235:113395. [PMID: 33757778 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a pattern recognition molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, and it plays a role in the remodeling of endothelial cells under pathological conditions. Recently, it was shown that RAGE is a binding protein for oxytocin (OT) and a transporter of OT to the brain on neurovascular endothelial cells via blood circulation. Deletion of the mouse RAGE gene, Ager (RAGE KO), induces hyperactivity in male mice. Impairment of pup care by mother RAGE KO mice after stress exposure results in the death of neonates 1-2 days after pup birth. Therefore, to understand the role of RAGE during the postpartum period, this study aims to examine parental behavior in female RAGE KO mice and ultrasonic vocalizations in pups. RAGE KO mothers without stress before delivery raised their pups and displayed hyperactivity at postpartum day (PPD) 3. KO dams showed impaired retrieval or interaction behavior after additional stress, such as body restraint stress or exposure to a novel environment, but such impaired behavior disappeared at PPD 7. Postnatal day 3 pups emitted ultrasonic vocalizations at >60 kHz as a part of the mother-pup relationship, but the number and category of calls by RAGE KO pups were significantly lower than wild-type pups. The results indicate that RAGE is important in the manifestation of normal parental behavior in dams and for receiving maternal care by mouse pups; moreover, brain OT recruited by RAGE plays a role in damping of signals of additional external stress and endogenous stress during the early postpartum period. Thus, RAGE-dependent OT may be critical for initiating and maintaining the normal mother-child relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gerasimenko
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
| | - Olga Lopatina
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan; Laboratory for Social Brain Studies, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, and Department of Biochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasentsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russian Federation
| | - Seiichi Munesue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Ai Harashima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan; Laboratory for Social Brain Studies, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, and Department of Biochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasentsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russian Federation.
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42
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A Scientometric Approach to Review the Role of the Medial Preoptic Area (MPOA) in Parental Behavior. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030393. [PMID: 33804634 PMCID: PMC8003755 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Research investigating the neural substrates underpinning parental behaviour has recently gained momentum. Particularly, the hypothalamic medial preoptic area (MPOA) has been identified as a crucial region for parenting. The current study conducted a scientometric analysis of publications from 1 January 1972 to 19 January 2021 using CiteSpace software to determine trends in the scientific literature exploring the relationship between MPOA and parental behaviour. In total, 677 scientific papers were analysed, producing a network of 1509 nodes and 5498 links. Four major clusters were identified: “C-Fos Expression”, “Lactating Rat”, “Medial Preoptic Area Interaction” and “Parental Behavior”. Their content suggests an initial trend in which the properties of the MPOA in response to parental behavior were studied, followed by a growing attention towards the presence of a brain network, including the reward circuits, regulating such behavior. Furthermore, while attention was initially directed uniquely to maternal behavior, it has recently been extended to the understanding of paternal behaviors as well. Finally, although the majority of the studies were conducted on rodents, recent publications broaden the implications of previous documents to human parental behavior, giving insight into the mechanisms underlying postpartum depression. Potential directions in future works were also discussed.
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43
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Wei D, Talwar V, Lin D. Neural circuits of social behaviors: Innate yet flexible. Neuron 2021; 109:1600-1620. [PMID: 33705708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Social behaviors, such as mating, fighting, and parenting, are fundamental for survival of any vertebrate species. All members of a species express social behaviors in a stereotypical and species-specific way without training because of developmentally hardwired neural circuits dedicated to these behaviors. Despite being innate, social behaviors are flexible. The readiness to interact with a social target or engage in specific social acts can vary widely based on reproductive state, social experience, and many other internal and external factors. Such high flexibility gives vertebrates the ability to release the relevant behavior at the right moment and toward the right target. This maximizes reproductive success while minimizing the cost and risk associated with behavioral expression. Decades of research have revealed the basic neural circuits underlying each innate social behavior. The neural mechanisms that support behavioral plasticity have also started to emerge. Here we provide an overview of these social behaviors and their underlying neural circuits and then discuss in detail recent findings regarding the neural processes that support the flexibility of innate social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Wei
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vaishali Talwar
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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44
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Trouillet AC, Moussu C, Poissenot K, Keller M, Birnbaumer L, Leinders-Zufall T, Zufall F, Chamero P. Sensory Detection by the Vomeronasal Organ Modulates Experience-Dependent Social Behaviors in Female Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:638800. [PMID: 33679330 PMCID: PMC7925392 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.638800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice, social behaviors are largely controlled by the olfactory system. Pheromone detection induces naïve virgin females to retrieve isolated pups to the nest and to be sexually receptive to males, but social experience increases the performance of both types of innate behaviors. Whether animals are intrinsically sensitive to the smell of conspecifics, or the detection of olfactory cues modulates experience for the display of social responses is currently unclear. Here, we employed mice with an olfactory-specific deletion of the G protein Gαi2, which partially eliminates sensory function in the vomeronasal organ (VNO), to show that social behavior in female mice results from interactions between intrinsic mechanisms in the vomeronasal system and experience-dependent plasticity. In pup- and sexually-naïve females, Gαi2 deletion elicited a reduction in pup retrieval behavior, but not in sexual receptivity. By contrast, experienced animals showed normal maternal behavior, but the experience-dependent increase in sexual receptivity was incomplete. Further, lower receptivity was accompanied by reduced neuronal activity in the anterior accessory olfactory bulb and the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle. Therefore, neural mechanisms utilize intrinsic sensitivity in the mouse vomeronasal system and enable plasticity to display consistent social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 0085 INRAE-CNRS-IFCE-University of Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Chantal Moussu
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 0085 INRAE-CNRS-IFCE-University of Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Kevin Poissenot
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 0085 INRAE-CNRS-IFCE-University of Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 0085 INRAE-CNRS-IFCE-University of Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Lutz Birnbaumer
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States.,School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Trese Leinders-Zufall
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Zufall
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Pablo Chamero
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 0085 INRAE-CNRS-IFCE-University of Tours, Nouzilly, France
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45
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Tirindelli R. Coding of pheromones by vomeronasal receptors. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:367-386. [PMID: 33433690 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Communication between individuals is critical for species survival, reproduction, and expansion. Most terrestrial species, with the exception of humans who predominantly use vision and phonation to create their social network, rely on the detection and decoding of olfactory signals, which are widely known as pheromones. These chemosensory cues originate from bodily fluids, causing attractive or avoidance behaviors in subjects of the same species. Intraspecific pheromone signaling is then crucial to identify sex, social ranking, individuality, and health status, thus establishing hierarchies and finalizing the most efficient reproductive strategies. Indeed, all these features require fine tuning of the olfactory systems to detect molecules containing this information. To cope with this complexity of signals, tetrapods have developed dedicated olfactory subsystems that refer to distinct peripheral sensory detectors, called the main olfactory and the vomeronasal organ, and two minor structures, namely the septal organ of Masera and the Grueneberg ganglion. Among these, the vomeronasal organ plays the most remarkable role in pheromone coding by mediating several behavioral outcomes that are critical for species conservation and amplification. In rodents, this organ is organized into two segregated neuronal subsets that express different receptor families. To some extent, this dichotomic organization is preserved in higher projection areas of the central nervous system, suggesting, at first glance, distinct functions for these two neuronal pathways. Here, I will specifically focus on this issue and discuss the role of vomeronasal receptors in mediating important innate behavioral effects through the recognition of pheromones and other biological chemosignals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Tirindelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Volturno, 39, 43125, Parma, Italy.
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46
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Navarro-Moreno C, Sanchez-Catalan MJ, Barneo-Muñoz M, Goterris-Cerisuelo R, Belles M, Lanuza E, Agustin-Pavon C, Martinez-Garcia F. Pregnancy Changes the Response of the Vomeronasal and Olfactory Systems to Pups in Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:593309. [PMID: 33390905 PMCID: PMC7775479 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.593309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motherhood entails changes in behavior with increased motivation for pups, induced in part by pregnancy hormones acting upon the brain. This work explores whether this alters sensory processing of pup-derived chemosignals. To do so, we analyse the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) in the vomeronasal organ (VNO; Egr1) and centers of the olfactory and vomeronasal brain pathways (cFos) in virgin and late-pregnant females exposed to pups, as compared to buttons (socially neutral control). In pup-exposed females, we quantified diverse behaviors including pup retrieval, sniffing, pup-directed attack, nest building and time in nest or on nest, as well as time off nest. Pups induce Egr1 expression in the VNO of females, irrespective of their physiological condition, thus suggesting the existence of VNO-detected pup chemosignals. A similar situation is found in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and posteromedial part of the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTMPM). By contrast, in the medial amygdala and posteromedial cortical amygdala (PMCo), responses to pups-vs-buttons are different in virgin and late-pregnant females, thus suggesting altered sensory processing during late pregnancy. The olfactory system also shows changes in sensory processing with pregnancy. In the main olfactory bulbs, as well as the anterior and posterior piriform cortex, buttons activate cFos expression in virgins more than in pregnant females. By contrast, in the anterior and especially posterior piriform cortex, pregnant females show more activation by pups than buttons. Correlation between IEGs expression and behavior suggests the existence of two vomeronasal subsystems: one associated to pup care (with PMCo as its main center) and another related to pup-directed aggression observed in some pregnant females (with the BSTMPM as the main nucleus). Our data also suggest a coactivation of the olfactory and vomeronasal systems during interaction with pups in pregnant females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinta Navarro-Moreno
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Sanchez-Catalan
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Manuela Barneo-Muñoz
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Rafael Goterris-Cerisuelo
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Maria Belles
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Enrique Lanuza
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Departament de Biologia Cellular, Funcional i Antropologia, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Agustin-Pavon
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Departament de Biologia Cellular, Funcional i Antropologia, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando Martinez-Garcia
- Lab of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun-UJI-UV), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
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Hauser BR, Aure MH, Kelly MC, Hoffman MP, Chibly AM. Generation of a Single-Cell RNAseq Atlas of Murine Salivary Gland Development. iScience 2020; 23:101838. [PMID: 33305192 PMCID: PMC7718488 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamic transcriptional landscape throughout organ development will provide a template for regenerative therapies. Here, we generated a single-cell RNA sequencing atlas of murine submandibular glands identifying transcriptional profiles that revealed cellular heterogeneity during landmark developmental events: end bud formation, branching morphogenesis, cytodifferentiation, maturation, and homeostasis. Trajectory inference analysis suggests plasticity among acinar and duct populations. We identify transcription factors correlated with acinar differentiation including Spdef, Etv1, and Xbp1, and loss of Ybx1, Eno1, Sox11, and Atf4. Furthermore, we characterize two intercalated duct populations defined by either Gfra3 and Kit, or Gstt1. This atlas can be used to investigate specific cell functions and comparative studies predicting common mechanisms involved in development of branching organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda R. Hauser
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marit H. Aure
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Genomics and Computational Biology Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Genomics and Computational Biology Core
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Genomics and Computational Biology Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Matthew P. Hoffman
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alejandro M. Chibly
- Matrix and Morphogenesis Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Nakahara TS, Camargo AP, Magalhães PHM, Souza MAA, Ribeiro PG, Martins-Netto PH, Carvalho VMA, José J, Papes F. Peripheral oxytocin injection modulates vomeronasal sensory activity and reduces pup-directed aggression in male mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19943. [PMID: 33203885 PMCID: PMC7673031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Behaviors are shaped by hormones, which may act either by changing brain circuits or by modifying sensory detection of relevant cues. Pup-directed behaviors have been previously shown to change via action of hormones at the brain level. Here, we investigated hormonal control of pup-induced activity in the vomeronasal organ, an olfactory sensory structure involved in the detection of non-volatile chemosignals. Vomeronasal activity decreases as males switch from a pup-aggressive state to a non-aggressive parenting state, after they socially contact a female. RNA sequencing, qPCR, and in situ hybridization were used to identify expression, in the vomeronasal sensory epithelium, of candidate GPCR hormone receptors chosen by in silico analyses and educated guesses. After identifying that oxytocin and vasopressin receptors are expressed in the vomeronasal organ, we injected the corresponding hormones in mice and showed that oxytocin administration reduced both pup-induced vomeronasal activity and aggressive behavior. Conversely, injection of an oxytocin receptor antagonist in female-primed male animals, which normally exhibit reduced vomeronasal activity, significantly increased the number of active vomeronasal neurons. These data link oxytocin to the modulation of olfactory sensory activity, providing a possible mechanism for changes in male behavior after social experience with females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago S Nakahara
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Antonio P Camargo
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Pedro H M Magalhães
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Mateus A A Souza
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Pedro G Ribeiro
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Paulo H Martins-Netto
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Vinicius M A Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Juliana José
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Fabio Papes
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil.
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Miller CH, Campbell P, Sheehan MJ. Distinct evolutionary trajectories of V1R clades across mouse species. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:99. [PMID: 32770934 PMCID: PMC7414754 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many animals rely heavily on olfaction to navigate their environment. Among rodents, olfaction is crucial for a wide range of social behaviors. The vomeronasal olfactory system in particular plays an important role in mediating social communication, including the detection of pheromones and recognition signals. In this study we examine patterns of vomeronasal type-1 receptor (V1R) evolution in the house mouse and related species within the genus Mus. We report the extent of gene repertoire turnover and conservation among species and clades, as well as the prevalence of positive selection on gene sequences across the V1R tree. By exploring the evolution of these receptors, we provide insight into the functional roles of receptor subtypes as well as the dynamics of gene family evolution. RESULTS We generated transcriptomes from the vomeronasal organs of 5 Mus species, and produced high quality V1R repertoires for each species. We find that V1R clades in the house mouse and relatives exhibit distinct evolutionary trajectories. We identify putative species-specific gene expansions, including a large clade D expansion in the house mouse. While gene gains are abundant, we detect very few gene losses. We describe a novel V1R clade and highlight candidate receptors for future study. We find evidence for distinct evolutionary processes across different clades, from largescale turnover to highly conserved repertoires. Patterns of positive selection are similarly variable, as some clades exhibit abundant positive selection while others display high gene sequence conservation. Based on clade-level evolutionary patterns, we identify receptor families that are strong candidates for detecting social signals and predator cues. Our results reveal clades with receptors detecting female reproductive status are among the most conserved across species, suggesting an important role in V1R chemosensation. CONCLUSION Analysis of clade-level evolution is critical for understanding species' chemosensory adaptations. This study provides clear evidence that V1R clades are characterized by distinct evolutionary trajectories. As receptor evolution is shaped by ligand identity, these results provide a framework for examining the functional roles of receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Polly Campbell
- Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, USA
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50
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Muroi Y, Nakamura A, Kondoh D, Ishii T. Investigation of the factors that induce maternal aggression towards juveniles among several mouse strains. Physiol Behav 2020; 226:113122. [PMID: 32768416 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal care and aggression are representative of maternal behavior among lactating female mice. Even neonates and juveniles, who are not biological offspring, can induce maternal care and aggression in dams. Here, we investigated the factors that induce maternal aggression through exposure to juvenile mice. We first addressed the role of intruder age on the induction of maternal aggression in dams. BALB/c dams displayed attacking behavior towards 14-day-old C57BL/6J male intruders. Consumption of food pellets during the weaning period was unlikely to affect the induction of attacking behavior, as the intruders reared by breastfeeding, without food pellets, induced intensive attacking behavior in dams. Next, we compared the intruder-mediated induction of attacking behavior through different mouse strains. Specifically, BALB/c intruders induced a lower level of attacking behavior in BALB/c or ICR dams, compared to the other strains tested. However, BALB/c intruders induced intense attacking behavior in C57BL/6N dams, indicating that the occurrence of attacking behavior is dependent on the strains of dams as well as intruders. A cross-fostering experiment highlighted that the rearing by an original mother was required for C57BL/6J juveniles to induce attacking behavior. In contrast, BALB/c intruders may emit an inhibitory factor that limits attacking behavior. We finally explored which parts of the body emit these aggression-inducible signals. Removal of body hair around the proximal tail of the intruders significantly decreased the attacking behavior of dams, demonstrating that chemical cues, namely pheromones, attached to the body hair around the proximal tail may be essential for inducing attacking behavior in dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikage Muroi
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Nishi 2-11, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Ayane Nakamura
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Nishi 2-11, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Kondoh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Nishi 2-11, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Toshiaki Ishii
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Nishi 2-11, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan.
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