Development of the social behavior network

Social behaviors are crucial for reproductive success and survival. In vertebrates, these behaviors are sexually dimorphic due to distinct hormonal environments in development and adulthood. The underlying neural pathways, collectively known as the social behavior network (SBN), consist of interconnected regions exhibiting sex-variable genomic, anatomical, and functional characteristics. While the structure and function of the adult SBN is increasingly well described, its embryonic origins and development remain poorly understood. All neural networks undergo extensive genomic and functional changes during development, but a unique feature of the SBN is its sensitivity to gonadal hormones. Transient developmental hormone signaling ultimately results in anatomic SBN sexual dimorphism and sex-variable behavioral repertoires. However, the precise mechanisms linking early life hormone signaling to the establishment of neural sex differences remain elusive. This review highlights recent findings on SBN development spanning embryonic timepoints to puberty, offering valuable perspectives to address this critical topic.