RNA-sequencing reveals a shared neurotranscriptomic profile in the medial preoptic area of highly social songbirds and rats.

ABSTRACT: Rough-and-tumble play in juvenile rats and song in flocks of adult songbirds outside a breeding context (gregarious song) are two distinct forms of non-sexual social behavior. Both are believed to play roles in the development of sociomotor skills needed for later life-history events, including reproduction, providing opportunities for low-stakes practice. Additionally, both behaviors are thought to be intrinsically rewarded and are associated with a positive affective state. Given the functional similarities of these behaviors, this study used RNA-sequencing to identify commonalities in their underlying neurochemical systems within the medial preoptic area. This brain region is implicated in multiple social behaviors, including song and play, and is highly conserved across vertebrates. DE

SUBMITTER: Polzin BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11271255 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature