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Published on: March 15, 2019
Neurobiology of Social Touch
1Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA;
None:
Social touch is a critical component of our daily lives, shaping our interactions with friends and loved ones. Reduced social touch, especially during early life, can have detrimental effects on health and well-being. A mechanistic understanding of the neural circuits for social touch is still underway, despite its centrality. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of social touch, a cellular and molecular emphasis must be placed on signaling and connectivity among neurons of the skin, spinal cord, and brain. Here, I review research on the molecules, cells, and circuits of the social touch network, highlighting insights from humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents. I conclude by exploring some of the exciting avenues for future research.
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