The social network: Neural control of sex differences in reproductive behaviors, motivation, and response to social isolation

Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 68, P. 137 - 151

Published: April 25, 2021

Social animal species present a vast repertoire of social interactions when encountering conspecifics. Reproduction-related behaviors, such as mating, parental care, and aggression, are some the most rewarding types also sexually dimorphic ones. This review focuses on rodent summarizes recent advances in neuroscience research that link reproductive behaviors to sexual dimorphism their underlying neuronal circuits. Specifically, we few possible mechanisms governing sexually-dimorphic by hypothalamic reward-related brain regions. Sex differences neural response isolation adulthood discussed, well future directions for comparative studies with naturally solitary species.

Language: Английский

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Comprehensive analysis of locomotion dynamics in the protochordate Ciona intestinalis reveals how neuromodulators flexibly shape its behavioral repertoire

PLoS Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 20(8), P. e3001744 - e3001744

Published: Aug. 4, 2022

Vertebrate nervous systems can generate a remarkable diversity of behaviors. However, our understanding how behaviors may have evolved in the chordate lineage is limited by lack neuroethological studies leveraging closest invertebrate relatives. Here, we combine high-throughput video acquisition with pharmacological perturbations bioamine signaling to systematically reveal global structure motor behavioral repertoire Ciona intestinalis larvae. Most ’s postural variance be captured 6 basic shapes, which term “eigencionas.” Motif analysis time series revealed numerous stereotyped maneuvers including “startle-like” and “beat-and-glide.” Employing computational modeling swimming dynamics spatiotemporal embedding features that differences are generated at levels modules transitions between, part modulated bioamines. Finally, show flexible module usage gives rise diverse response different light stimuli.

Language: Английский

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A Neurexin2aa deficiency results in axon pathfinding defects and increased anxiety in zebrafish

Human Molecular Genetics, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 29(23), P. 3765 - 3780

Published: Dec. 1, 2020

Abstract Neurexins are presynaptic transmembrane proteins that control synapse activity and risk factors for autism spectrum disorder. Zebrafish, a popular model behavioral studies, has six neurexin genes, but their functions in embryogenesis behavior remain largely unknown. We have previously reported nrxn2a is aberrantly spliced specifically dysregulated motor neurons (MNs) models of spinal muscular atrophy. In this study, we generated nrxn2aa−/− mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 to understand nrxn2aa function at the zebrafish neuromuscular junction (NMJ) determine effects its deficiency on adult behavior. Homozygous mutant embryos derived from heterozygous parents did not show obvious defects axon outgrowth or synaptogenesis MNs. contrast, maternal-zygotic (MZ) displayed extensively branched axons defective MNs, suggesting cell-autonomous role maternally provided MN development. Analysis NMJs revealed enlarged choice points MNs larvae reduced co-localization pre- post-synaptic terminals, indicating impaired formation. Severe early NMJ partially recovered late when transcripts became strongly upregulated. Ultimately, however, induced resulted atrophy symptoms MZ mutants. Zygotic homozygous developed normally increased anxiety stages. Together, our data demonstrate an essential maternal establishment, while zygotic expression appears dispensable maintenance. The viable furthermore serves as novel study how increase anxiety-like behaviors impacts other deficits.

Language: Английский

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An AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 strategy for gene editing across divergent rodent species: Targeting neural oxytocin receptors as a proof of concept

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(22)

Published: May 31, 2023

A major issue in neuroscience is the poor translatability of research results from preclinical studies animals to clinical outcomes. Comparative can overcome this barrier by studying multiple species differentiate between species-specific and general mechanisms neural circuit functioning. Targeted manipulation circuits often depends on genetic dissection, use technique has been restricted only a few model species, limiting its application comparative research. However, ongoing advances genomics make dissection attainable growing number species. To demonstrate potential gene editing approaches, we developed viral-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 strategy that predicted target oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) >80 rodent This specifically reduced OXTR levels all evaluated (n = 6) without causing gross neuronal toxicity. Thus, show CRISPR/Cas9-based tools function simultaneously. Thereby, hope encourage improve neuroscientific

Language: Английский

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Identification crisis: a fauna-wide estimate of biodiversity expertise shows massive decline in a Central European country

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(13), P. 3871 - 3903

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

Abstract Expertise in biodiversity research (taxonomy, faunistics, conservation with taxonomic background) appears to decline worldwide. While the “taxonomic impediment” is discussed extensively literature, much fewer papers focus on identification crisis, i.e., decreasing number of experts who can identify species, and species-based research. As a test case explore gravity we chose Hungary, Central European country strong history comprehensive expertise output. We set out answer two main questions. (1) What proportion Hungarian fauna could currently be identified by experts, what factors determine which groups are covered; (2) trends underlying reasons for these trends? show that Hungary lacks active almost half nearly 36,000 animal species recorded country, more than quarter have only one or available. also faunistic experienced golden era between ca. 1990 2010. Since then, however, there has been decline, published decreased level like 1970s. Multiple causing this trend, such as increased pressure publish high impact journals increasing administrative duties professional scientists. The next generation needs fluent modern techniques publication strategies but maintain robust morphology-based knowledge equipped tasks difficult taxa. Despite being disadvantaged exclusive application citation-based evaluation, do need positions focused grants researchers country’s base avoid increasingly dependent on—equally declining—foreign expertise.

Language: Английский

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Glutamate in Male and Female Sexual Behavior: Receptors, Transporters, and Steroid Independence

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 14

Published: Nov. 24, 2020

The survival of animal species predicates on the success sexual reproduction. Neurotransmitters play an integral role in expression these behaviors brain. Here, we review glutamate behavior rodents and non-rodent for both males females. These encompass release correlations with receptor during behavior. We then present effects behavior, as well antagonists agonists different transporters receptors. Following that, discuss potential steroid-independent Finally, demonstrate interaction other neurotransmitters to impact studies are crucial development novel treatments dysfunction furthering our understanding complexity diversity. In past decade, have witnessed burgeoning techniques study manipulate neuron activity, decode molecular events at single-cell level, analyze behavioral data. They pose exciting avenues gain further insight into future research. Taken together, this work conveys essential

Language: Английский

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Under or Absent Reporting of Light Stimuli in Testing of Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rodents: The Need for Standardization

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 15

Published: Aug. 17, 2022

Behavioral neuroscience tests such as the Light/Dark Test, Open Field Elevated Plus Maze and Three Chamber Social Interaction Test have become both essential widely used behavioral for transgenic pre-clinical models drug screening testing. However, fast field has evolved contemporaneous involvement of technology, little assessment literature been done to ensure that these are crucial testing well-controlled ethological motivation by use lighting (i.e., Lux). In present review paper, N = 420 manuscripts were examined from 2015 2019 a sample set n ~20-22 publications per year) it was found only meager 50 11.9% sampled) met criteria proper anxiogenic anxiolytic Lux reported. These findings illustrate serious concern papers not being vetted properly at journal level released into public domain making difficult assess quality science This creates real need standardizing in all on techniques within contributions meaningful, avoid unnecessary duplication, ultimately would serve create more efficient process screening/testing drugs compounds prove useful than what prior decades work produced. It is suggested improving standardization reporting peer-review processes overseeing documentation methodological approaches could advance effective drugs. report serves highlight this proposes strategies proactively remedy them moves forward come.

Language: Английский

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Behavioral Manipulation by Toxoplasma gondii: Does Brain Residence Matter?

Trends in Parasitology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 37(5), P. 381 - 390

Published: Jan. 18, 2021

Language: Английский

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On the value of diverse organisms in auditory research: From fish to flies to humans

Hearing Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 432, P. 108754 - 108754

Published: March 30, 2023

Historically, diverse organisms have contributed to our understanding of auditory function. In recent years, the laboratory mouse has become prevailing non-human model in research, particularly for biomedical studies. There are many questions research which is most appropriate (or only) system available. But mice cannot provide answers all problems basic and applied importance, nor can any single a synthetic solutions that evolved facilitate effective detection use acoustic information. this review, spurred by trends funding publishing inspired parallel observations other domains neuroscience, we highlight few examples profound impact lasting benefits comparative organismal system. We begin with serendipitous discovery hair cell regeneration non-mammalian vertebrates, finding fueled an ongoing search pathways hearing restoration humans. then turn problem sound source localization – fundamental task systems been compelled solve despite large variation magnitudes kinds spatial cues available, begetting varied direction-detecting mechanisms. Finally, consider power work highly specialized reveal exceptional sensory returns deep neuroethological inquiry via example echolocating bats. Throughout, how discoveries made possible curiosity-driven driven scientific, biomedical, technological advances field.

Language: Английский

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Microbial associates and social behavior in ants

Artificial Life and Robotics, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 25(4), P. 552 - 560

Published: Oct. 13, 2020

Language: Английский

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