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A neural circuit perspective on brain aromatase.

Jeremy A Spool1, Joseph F Bergan1, Luke Remage-Healey1

  • 1Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.

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|December 23, 2021
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Summary

Aromatase in the brain is crucial for sexual differentiation and behavior across vertebrates. Its expression defines conserved neural networks, impacting sex differences and brain diseases.

Keywords:
Aromatase inhibitorAuditoryCognitionEstrogensEvolutionLearningOlfactionSex differenceSocial decision making networkSynapsesSystems neuroscience

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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.