Neural control of parental behaviors. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kohl, Johannes; Dulac, Catherine
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in neurobiology. Volume 49(2018)
• Page Start: 116
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4388

Abstract

Highlights: Parenting is a multicomponent social behavior. Molecularly defined nodes have been identified in parental circuits. Parenting is state-dependent and relies on similar architectures in both sexes. A complex, modular genetic landscape controls parenting. Abstract : Parenting is a multicomponent social behavior that is essential for the survival of offspring in many species. Despite extensive characterization of individual brain areas involved in parental care, we do not fully understand how discrete aspects of this behavior are orchestrated at the neural circuit level. Recent progress in identifying genetically specified neuronal populations critical for parenting, and the use of genetic and viral tools for circuit-cracking now allow us to deconstruct the underlying circuitry and, thus, to elucidate how different aspects of parental care are controlled. Here we review the latest advances, outline possible organizational principles of parental circuits and discuss future challenges.