Bidirectional control of aggression by estrogen receptor α in key neural circuits: A dynamic balance underlying...

Aggression, a conserved social behavior, is orchestrated by a distributed neural network where sex hormone receptors integrate hormonal and experiential signals. This review synthesizes recent rodent studies, highlighting the central role of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). We delineate a striking functional dichotomy: ERα promotes aggression in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) while suppressing it in the medial preoptic area (MPOA). Furthermore, social experiences (e.g., victory, isolation) remodel circuit connectivity, revealing profound experience-dependent plasticity. By integrating molecular, circuit, and behavioral insights, we establish a cohesive framework that not only explains the neural underpinnings of aggression but also informs novel strategies for managing its pathological manifestations.