Oxytocin mediated behavior in invertebrates: An evolutionary perspective.
Meghan A Lockard1, Margaret S Ebert1, Cornelia I Bargmann1,2
1Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, 10065.
Developmental Neurobiology
|November 3, 2016
Summary
Oxytocin homologs are conserved across diverse species, influencing behaviors like reproduction and learning. Studying these neuropeptides in invertebrates provides insights into conserved neural mechanisms applicable to vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Comparative Physiology
Background:
- Oxytocin-related neuropeptides exhibit remarkable molecular and functional conservation across evolution.
- These neuropeptides play crucial roles in modulating reproductive behavior and other biological functions in diverse animal lineages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of oxytocin in invertebrate behavior from an evolutionary perspective.
- To trace the evolution of oxytocin through invertebrate lineages.
- To describe common themes in oxytocin-mediated invertebrate behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on evolutionary biology and neurobiology.
- Analysis of conserved roles of oxytocin homologs in invertebrates.
- Examination of neuropeptide function in well-defined invertebrate neural circuits.
Main Results:
- Oxytocin homologs are found in animals separated by over 600 million years of evolution.
- Oxytocin-related peptides mediate key invertebrate behaviors including reproduction, learning, food arousal, and predator/prey interactions.
- Invertebrate models offer precise insights into neuropeptide activity within defined neural circuits.
Conclusions:
- The study of oxytocin in invertebrates reveals conserved principles of neuropeptide function.
- These principles may be applicable to understanding more complex vertebrate brains.
- Future research directions in invertebrate oxytocin systems are experimentally tractable and promising.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Neurotransmitters
3.1K
Neurotransmitters are essential chemical messengers within the nervous system, facilitating the communication between neurons. These chemical messengers, varying in function and effect, are critical for sustaining various aspects of neurological health and emotional well-being.
3.1K
00:54What is Behavior?
10.4K
Behaviors are actions that an organism engages in—they can be related to finding food, reproducing, defending against threats, and many other possible actions. Behaviors include activities related to the environment around the animal—such as migration—as well as social interactions within a species or population. Many behaviors involve motor output—that is, muscle movements—while others involve less visible actions, such as learning.
10.4K
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
8.0K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
8.0K
00:57Inclusive Fitness
43.3K
Most altruistic behavior—in which one animal helps another at a cost to themselves—occurs between relatives. Scientists think these altruistic behaviors evolved because they increase the inclusive fitness of the animal providing help.
43.3K
00:59Tonicity in Animals
128.1K
The tonicity of a solution determines if a cell gains or loses water in that solution. The tonicity depends on the permeability of the cell membrane for different solutes and the concentration of nonpenetrating solutes in the solution within and outside of the cell. If a semipermeable membrane hinders the passage of some solutes but allows water to follow its concentration gradient, water moves from the side with low osmolarity (i.e., less solute) to the side with higher osmolarity (i.e.,...
128.1K
01:28Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
399
Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
399