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A functional cellular framework for sex and estrous cycle-dependent gene expression and behavior
Joseph R Knoedler1, Sayaka Inoue1, Daniel W Bayless1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Cell
|January 23, 2022
Summary
This study reveals how specific estrogen receptor 1-expressing (Esr1+) neurons control sex-specific behaviors. Researchers identified distinct Esr1+ cell types crucial for male sex recognition and female mating, highlighting cellular specialization in social behavior regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Sex hormones significantly influence gendered behaviors.
- The precise neuronal mechanisms underlying sex-typical behavior regulation by sex hormone-responsive populations remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of individual estrogen receptor 1-expressing (Esr1+) neuronal populations in regulating sex-specific behaviors.
- To identify specific Esr1+ cell types and their functions within broader neuronal networks.
Main Methods:
- Orthogonal, genetically targeted sequencing of four Esr1+ populations.
- Differential gene expression analysis between sexes and estrous states.
- Functional characterization of identified Esr1+ cell types (BNSTprTac1/Esr1 and VMHvlCckar/Esr1).
Main Results:
- Identified 1,415 differentially expressed genes across 137 Esr1+ cell types.
- Discovered that BNSTprTac1/Esr1 cells are essential for male sex recognition.
- Found that VMHvlCckar/Esr1 cells are crucial for female mating behavior.
- Demonstrated distinct projections for VMHvlCckar/Esr1 cells compared to other VMHvlEsr1 cells.
Conclusions:
- Specific Esr1+ cell types exhibit functional and projection specialization.
- This cellular specialization enables sex hormone-responsive populations to regulate diverse social behaviors.
- Understanding these dimorphic cell types provides insights into the neurobiological basis of sex-typical behaviors.
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