A neural circuit perspective on brain aromatase.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Comparative Biology

Background:

• Aromatase-expressing neurons are found in conserved brain regions across vertebrates.
• These neurons play a key role in sexual differentiation of the brain and subsequent sex differences in behavior.
• Dysregulation of aromatase is implicated in human brain diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of aromatase in the brain by examining conserved network-level connections in vertebrates.
• To delineate brain regions expressing aromatase and their interconnections, suggesting a conserved Social Behavior Network.
• To highlight the potential for advanced neuroscience tools to study aromatase function at the neural circuit level.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on birds and rodents.
• Analysis of conserved network-level connections involving aromatase-expressing neurons.
• Synthesis of findings on aromatase distribution and function in the vertebrate brain.

Main Results:

• Aromatase-expressing neurons, despite heterogeneity, are located in highly conserved brain regions across vertebrates.
• Aromatase expression often defines a core Social Behavior Network, with inputs and outputs also expressing aromatase.
• The conserved nature of these networks suggests fundamental roles in sexual differentiation and behavior.

Conclusions:

• Aromatase is a key molecular player in conserved neural circuits underlying social behavior and sexual differentiation in vertebrates.
• Understanding these conserved networks provides insights into sex differences in behavior and brain disorders.
• Future research using advanced tools can further elucidate the precise functions of aromatase in neural circuits.