Neuroendocrinology of Social Cognition

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Social species have specialized behavioral and cognitive mechanisms. They approach, not avoid, conspecifics. They establish complex relationships (e.g. hierarchies, bonds) via social recognition processes and specific approach and avoidance behaviors, and they can acquire adaptive information from conspecifics via social learning. Males and females often differ in these behaviors in a sex hormone-dependent manner. This affects whether and how each sex engages in social behavior, and has important implications for the understanding of the neurobiology of male and female sociality. My and my trainees' research program investigates the neurobiology of cognitive aspects of social behavior in mammals. So far we have shown that estrogens regulate social cognition via both delayed, long-term mechanisms that involve the regulation of genes as well as more recently discovered and less understood rapid and dynamic mechanisms. We have identified two brain regions and a few neurochemical and hormonal systems mediating these rapid effects. In the next 5 years my trainees and I will test the overarching hypothesis that a number of neurochemical systems all interact as part of a neuronal network subserving rapid hormone-regulation of social cognition. These systems include membrane receptor-activated kinase cascades and both neuropeptides (oxytocin, vasopressin) and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine). We will pursue 3 specific research aims: we will (1) further elucidate/identify brain regions underling rapid hormonal regulation of social cognition; investigate (2) the neurochemical mechanisms in networks of brain regions mediating hormonal regulation of social cognition; investigate (3) sex differences in the neuronal networks and neurochemical systems involved in the hormonal regulation of social cognition. We will investigate these hormonal/neurochemical interactions in 3 mouse assays that assess conceptually different aspects of social cognition: Social Recognition (learning about others), Social Learning (learning from others) and Social Approach/Avoidance (sociability: the preferences for social vs non-social stimuli).Our investigations will allow the identification of specific brain networks and neurochemical systems of hormonal regulation of social cognition in males and females, ultimately elucidating sex differences in social cognition. Our integrative, multidisciplinary approach is highly innovative in that it links the functioning of basic neurobiological systems to complex social cognition. The proposed research will advance our understanding of the male and female social brain. Importantly, our research will also inform the current discussion on the need for inclusion of both males and females in research.