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Paternal deprivation impairs social behavior putatively via epigenetic modification to lateral septum vasopressin

Aubrey M Kelly1, Jie Yuen Ong2, Ruth A Witmer2

  • 1Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

Science Advances
|September 12, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Parental care influences offspring brain development. Fathers investing less in offspring may alter DNA methylation of the vasopressin receptor 1a gene, impacting social behaviors in adult prairie voles.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Early-life social environment significantly impacts offspring brain and behavior.
  • Mechanisms linking parental care to long-term behavioral outcomes are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the impact of parental variation on adult nonapeptide-modulated behaviors.
  • Explore the molecular pathways connecting parental behavior to gene expression and social approach.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a novel assay forcing biparental pairs or single mothers to prioritize offspring care or self-preservation.
  • Examined DNA methylation within the vasopressin receptor 1a gene and gene expression in the lateral septum.
  • Assessed social approach behaviors in adult prairie voles.

Main Results:

  • Single mothers compensated for the absence of a co-parent.
  • Mothers prioritized offspring care over self-investment, while fathers prioritized self-investment.
  • Paternal care variation correlated with changes in DNA methylation of the vasopressin receptor 1a gene and lateral septum gene expression.

Conclusions:

  • Parental behavior, particularly paternal care, influences offspring neurobiology.
  • Alterations in vasopressin receptor 1a gene methylation and lateral septum expression are linked to changes in social approach behavior.

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