The decision of male medaka to mate or fight depends on two complementary androgen signaling pathways

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(22)

Published: May 23, 2024

Adult male animals typically court and attempt to mate with females, while attacking other males. Emerging evidence from mice indicates that neurons expressing the estrogen receptor ESR1 in behaviorally relevant brain regions play a central role mediating these mutually exclusive behavioral responses conspecifics. However, findings are unlikely apply vertebrates general because, many species than rodents some birds, androgens—rather estrogens—have been implicated behaviors. Here, we report medaka ( Oryzias latipes ) lacking one of two androgen subtypes (Ara) less aggressive toward males instead actively them, those subtype (Arb) motivated females conversely attack them. These indicate that, medaka, Ara- Arb-mediated signaling pathways facilitate appropriate responses, simultaneously suppressing inappropriate respectively. Notably, either retain ability discriminate sex conspecifics, suggesting defect subsequent decision-making process or fight. We further show Ara Arb expressed intermingled but largely distinct populations neurons, stimulate expression different genes including galanin vasotocin, Collectively, our results demonstrate teleosts make adaptive decisions fight as result activation complementary pathways, depending on conspecific they encounter.

Language: Английский

Neuroestrogens facilitate male-typical behaviors by potentiating androgen receptor signaling in medaka

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 16, 2024

Abstract In rodents, estrogens aromatized from androgens in the brain, also known as neuroestrogens, are essential for development of male-typical behaviors. many other vertebrates including humans and teleost fish, however, facilitate these behaviors directly via androgen receptor without aromatization into estrogens. Here we report that male medaka fish lacking Cyp19a1b (a subtype aromatase predominantly expressed brain) exhibit severely impaired mating aggression, despite elevated brain levels. These phenotypes can be rescued by estrogen administration, indicating neuroestrogens pivotal even non-rodents. Our results further suggest potentiating action direct stimulation transcription, thereby revealing a previously unappreciated mechanism neuroestrogens. We additionally show female less receptive to courtship conversely court females, highlighting significance establishing sex-typical both sexes.

Language: Английский