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Vargas-Pinilla P, S Oliveira Fam B, Medina Tavares G, Lima T, Landau L, Paré P, de Cássia Aleixo Tostes R, Pissinatti A, Falótico T, Costa-Neto C, Maestri R, Bortolini MC. From molecular variations to behavioral adaptations: Unveiling adaptive epistasis in primate oxytocin system. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 184:e24947. [PMID: 38783700 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our primary objective was to investigate the variability of oxytocin (OT) and the GAMEN binding motif within the LNPEP oxytocinase in primates. MATERIALS AND METHODS We sequenced the LNPEP segment encompassing the GAMEN motif in 34 Platyrrhini species, with 21 of them also sequenced for the OT gene. Our dataset was supplemented with primate sequences of LNPEP, OT, and the oxytocin receptor (OTR) sourced from public databases. Evolutionary analysis and coevolution predictions were made followed by the macroevolution analysis of relevant amino acids associated with phenotypic traits, such as mating systems, parental care, and litter size. To account for phylogenetic structure, we utilized two distinct statistical tests. Additionally, we calculated binding energies focusing on the interaction between Callithtrix jacchus VAMEN and Pro8OT. RESULTS We identified two novel motifs (AAMEN and VAMEN), challenging the current knowledge of motif conservation in placental mammals. Coevolution analysis demonstrated a correlation between GAMEN, AAMEN, and VAMEN and their corresponding OTs and OTRs. Callithrix jacchus exhibited a higher binding energy between VAMEN and Pro8OT than orthologous molecules found in humans (GAMEN and Leu8OT). DISCUSSION The coevolution of AAMEN and VAMEN with their corresponding OTs and OTRs suggests a functional relationship that could have contributed to specific reproductive and adaptive behaviors, including paternal care, social monogamy, and twin births, prominent traits in Cebidae species, such as marmosets and tamarins. Our findings underscore the coevolution of taxon-specific amino acids among the three studied molecules, shedding light on the oxytocinergic system as an adaptive epistatic repertoire in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Vargas-Pinilla
- Laboratory of Human and Molecular Evolution, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Bibiana S Oliveira Fam
- Laboratory of Human and Molecular Evolution, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Medicina Genômica, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Medina Tavares
- Laboratory of Human and Molecular Evolution, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thaynara Lima
- Laboratory of Human and Molecular Evolution, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luane Landau
- Laboratory of Human and Molecular Evolution, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Pâmela Paré
- Laboratory of Human and Molecular Evolution, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Tiago Falótico
- Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Costa-Neto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renan Maestri
- Laboratório de Ecomorfologia e Macroevolução, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Cátira Bortolini
- Laboratory of Human and Molecular Evolution, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Perisic M, Woolcock K, Hering A, Mendel H, Muttenthaler M. Oxytocin and vasopressin signaling in health and disease. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:361-377. [PMID: 38418338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurohypophysial peptides are ancient and evolutionarily highly conserved neuropeptides that regulate many crucial physiological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates. The human neurohypophysial oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) signaling system with its four receptors has become an attractive drug target for a variety of diseases, including cancer, pain, cardiovascular indications, and neurological disorders. Despite its promise, drug development faces hurdles, including signaling complexity, selectivity and off-target concerns, translational interspecies differences, and inefficient drug delivery. In this review we dive into the complexity of the OT/VP signaling system in health and disease, provide an overview of relevant pharmacological probes, and discuss the latest trends in therapeutic lead discovery and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Perisic
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrina Woolcock
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anke Hering
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia.
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3
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Hopkins WD, Coulon O, Meguerditchian A, Staes N, Sherwood CC, Schapiro SJ, Mangin JF, Bradley B. Genetic determinants of individual variation in the superior temporal sulcus of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:1925-1940. [PMID: 35697647 PMCID: PMC9977371 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The superior temporal sulcus (STS) is a conserved fold that divides the middle and superior temporal gyri. In humans, there is considerable variation in the shape, folding pattern, lateralization, and depth of the STS that have been reported to be associated with social cognition and linguistic functions. We examined the role that genetic factors play on individual variation in STS morphology in chimpanzees. The surface area and depth of the STS were quantified in sample of 292 captive chimpanzees comprised of two genetically isolated population of individuals. The chimpanzees had been previously genotyped for AVPR1A and KIAA0319, two genes that play a role in social cognition and communication in humans. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the KIAA0319 and AVPR1A genes were associated with average depth as well as asymmetries in the STS. By contrast, we found no significant effects of these KIA0319 and AVPR1A polymorphism on surface area and depth measures for the central sulcus. The overall findings indicate that genetic factors account for a small to moderate amount of variation in STS morphology in chimpanzees. These findings are discussed in the context of the role of the STS in social cognition and language in humans and their potential evolutionary origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Hopkins
- Department of Comparative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
- IMéRA – Institut d’Etudes Avancées, Aix-Marseille Universite, Marseille 13004, France
- Institute of Language, Communication and The Brain, Aix-Marseille Universite, CNRS, Aix-en-Provence 13604, France
| | - Oliver Coulon
- Institute of Language, Communication and The Brain, Aix-Marseille Universite, CNRS, Aix-en-Provence 13604, France
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Neurosciences de La Timone, UMR7289, Marseille 13284, France
| | - Adrien Meguerditchian
- Institute of Language, Communication and The Brain, Aix-Marseille Universite, CNRS, Aix-en-Provence 13604, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Cognitive, UMR 7290, LPC, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Marseille 13284, France
| | - Nicky Staes
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Steven J Schapiro
- Department of Comparative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200N, Denmark
| | | | - Brenda Bradley
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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4
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Rigney N, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A. Modulation of social behavior by distinct vasopressin sources. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1127792. [PMID: 36860367 PMCID: PMC9968743 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1127792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is well known for its peripheral effects on blood pressure and antidiuresis. However, AVP also modulates various social and anxiety-related behaviors by its actions in the brain, often sex-specifically, with effects typically being stronger in males than in females. AVP in the nervous system originates from several distinct sources which are, in turn, regulated by different inputs and regulatory factors. Based on both direct and indirect evidence, we can begin to define the specific role of AVP cell populations in social behavior, such as, social recognition, affiliation, pair bonding, parental behavior, mate competition, aggression, and social stress. Sex differences in function may be apparent in both sexually-dimorphic structures as well as ones without prominent structural differences within the hypothalamus. The understanding of how AVP systems are organized and function may ultimately lead to better therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders characterized by social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Mustoe A. A tale of two hierarchies: Hormonal and behavioral factors underlying sex differences in social dominance in cooperative breeding callitrichids. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105293. [PMID: 36463691 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Callitrichid primates are recognized for high levels of sociality in small groups, their great behavioral flexibility, and single-female dominant hierarchies. Previous work has highlighted that dominant, breeding callitrichids engage in behavioral and hormonal reproductive suppression of related and unrelated subordinates by both producing more offspring, having higher levels of ovulatory hormones, and accessing more sociosexual opportunities. This suppression constitutes a nexus of changes in pituitary responsiveness, ovarian cyclicity, sexual behavior, affiliation, and aggression. In this review, I will highlight important features that characterize callitrichid social hierarchies across broad social contexts. Dominant females sometimes exert reproductive suppression on subordinate nonbreeding females, but this suppression varies across callitrichids based on social stability and changes in group composition, particularly related to the number, experience, and age of nonbreeding subordinates. Meanwhile, dominant males may induce suppression of reproduction in subordinate males, but these effects occur by different behavioral and endocrine mechanisms and to a much lesser extent than their female counterparts; While dominant female callitrichids usually show higher levels of aggression relative to their male counterparts, callitrichids show a general absence of intersexual dominance, likely as an effort of maintaining a cohesive breeding pair within a stable social group and social cooperation. Future efforts are needed to identify precise neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the presence of sex differences in callitrichid behavior separate from peripheral reproductive function. This is especially important with regard to parental experience, social relationships, development and aging, with larger implications toward understanding sex differences in overall health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaryn Mustoe
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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López-Gutiérrez MF, Mejía-Chávez S, Alcauter S, Portillo W. The neural circuits of monogamous behavior. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:978344. [PMID: 36247729 PMCID: PMC9559370 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.978344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in studying the neural circuits related to mating behavior and mate choice in monogamous species lies in the parallels found between human social structure and sexual behavior and that of other mammals that exhibit social monogamy, potentially expanding our understanding of human neurobiology and its underlying mechanisms. Extensive research has suggested that social monogamy, as opposed to non-monogamy in mammals, is a consequence of the neural encoding of sociosensory information from the sexual partner with an increased reward value. Thus, the reinforced value of the mate outweighs the reward value of mating with any other potential sexual partners. This mechanism reinforces the social relationship of a breeding pair, commonly defined as a pair bond. In addition to accentuated prosocial behaviors toward the partner, other characteristic behaviors may appear, such as territorial and partner guarding, selective aggression toward unfamiliar conspecifics, and biparental care. Concomitantly, social buffering and distress upon partner separation are also observed. The following work intends to overview and compare known neural and functional circuits that are related to mating and sexual behavior in monogamous mammals. We will particularly discuss reports on Cricetid rodents of the Microtus and Peromyscus genus, and New World primates (NWP), such as the Callicebinae subfamily of the titi monkey and the marmoset (Callithrix spp.). In addition, we will mention the main factors that modulate the neural circuits related to social monogamy and how that modulation may reflect phenotypic differences, ultimately creating the widely observed diversity in social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Mexico
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7
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Rigney N, de Vries GJ, Petrulis A, Young LJ. Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac111. [PMID: 35863332 PMCID: PMC9337272 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin are peptide hormones secreted from the pituitary that are well known for their peripheral endocrine effects on childbirth/nursing and blood pressure/urine concentration, respectively. However, both peptides are also released in the brain, where they modulate several aspects of social behaviors. Oxytocin promotes maternal nurturing and bonding, enhances social reward, and increases the salience of social stimuli. Vasopressin modulates social communication, social investigation, territorial behavior, and aggression, predominantly in males. Both peptides facilitate social memory and pair bonding behaviors in monogamous species. Here we review the latest research delineating the neural circuitry of the brain oxytocin and vasopressin systems and summarize recent investigations into the circuit-based mechanisms modulating social behaviors. We highlight research using modern molecular genetic technologies to map, monitor activity of, or manipulate neuropeptide circuits. Species diversity in oxytocin and vasopressin effects on social behaviors are also discussed. We conclude with a discussion of the translational implications of oxytocin and vasopressin for improving social functioning in disorders with social impairments, such as autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rigney
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Geert J de Vries
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Aras Petrulis
- Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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8
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Cram DL, van der Wal JEM, Uomini N, Cantor M, Afan AI, Attwood MC, Amphaeris J, Balasani F, Blair CJ, Bronstein JL, Buanachique IO, Cuthill RRT, Das J, Daura‐Jorge FG, Deb A, Dixit T, Dlamini GS, Dounias E, Gedi II, Gruber M, Hoffmann LS, Holzlehner T, Isack HA, Laltaika EA, Lloyd‐Jones DJ, Lund J, Machado AMS, Mahadevan L, Moreno IB, Nwaogu CJ, Pierotti R, Rucunua SA, dos Santos WF, Serpa N, Smith BD, Sridhar H, Tolkova I, Tun T, Valle‐Pereira JVS, Wood BM, Wrangham RW, Spottiswoode CN. The ecology and evolution of human‐wildlife cooperation. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica E. M. van der Wal
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Natalie Uomini
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig Germany
| | - Mauricio Cantor
- Department of Ecology and Zoology Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Florianópolis Brazil
- Department of Fisheries Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University Newport Oregon USA
- Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
- Centre of Marine Studies Universidade Federal do Paraná Pontal do Paraná Brazil
| | - Anap I. Afan
- A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Jos Nigeria
| | | | - Jenny Amphaeris
- School of Arts Culture and Language, Bangor University Bangor UK
| | | | - Cameron J. Blair
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Judith L. Bronstein
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
| | | | - Rion R. T. Cuthill
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Jewel Das
- Institute of Marine Sciences University of Chittagong Chittagong Bangladesh
| | - Fábio G. Daura‐Jorge
- Department of Ecology and Zoology Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Florianópolis Brazil
| | - Apurba Deb
- Department of Environment, Climate and Parks Government of Manitoba Manitoba Canada
| | - Tanmay Dixit
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | | | - Edmond Dounias
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
| | | | - Martin Gruber
- Department of Anthropology and Cultural Research University of Bremen Bremen Germany
| | - Lilian S. Hoffmann
- Cytogenetics and Evolution Lab Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Tobias Holzlehner
- Seminar für Ethnologie Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
| | | | - Eliupendo A. Laltaika
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority Ngorongoro Tanzania
| | - David J. Lloyd‐Jones
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Jess Lund
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Alexandre M. S. Machado
- Department of Ecology and Zoology Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Florianópolis Brazil
| | - L. Mahadevan
- Department of Physics Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Ignacio B. Moreno
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros Limnológicos e Marinhos, Campus Litoral Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Imbé Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biologia Animal Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Chima J. Nwaogu
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Raymond Pierotti
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas USA
| | | | | | - Nathalia Serpa
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros Limnológicos e Marinhos, Campus Litoral Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Imbé Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biologia Animal Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | | | - Hari Sridhar
- Independent Researcher Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Irina Tolkova
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | - Brian M. Wood
- Department of Anthropology University of California Los Angeles USA
- Department of Human Behavior Ecology, and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig Germany
| | - Richard W. Wrangham
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Claire N. Spottiswoode
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Department of Science and Innovation‐National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
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Anneser L, Gemmer A, Eilers T, Alcantara IC, Loos AY, Ryu S, Schuman EM. The neuropeptide Pth2 modulates social behavior and anxiety in zebrafish. iScience 2022; 25:103868. [PMID: 35243231 PMCID: PMC8861652 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavior is context-dependent and often modulated by an animal's internal state. In particular, different social contexts can alter anxiety levels and modulate social behavior. The vertebrate-specific neuropeptide parathyroid hormone 2 (pth2) is regulated by the presence of conspecifics in zebrafish. As its cognate receptor, the parathyroid hormone 2 receptor (pth2r), is widely expressed across the brain, we tested fish lacking the functional Pth2 peptide in several anxiety-related and social behavior paradigms. Here, we show that the propensity to react to sudden stimuli with an escape response was increased in pth2 -/- zebrafish, consistent with an elevated anxiety level. While overall social preference for conspecifics was maintained in pth2 -/- fish until the early juvenile stage, we found that both social preference and shoaling were altered later in development. The data presented suggest that the neuropeptide Pth2 modulates several conserved behaviors and may thus enable the animal to react appropriately in different social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Anneser
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Anja Gemmer
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Tim Eilers
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Ivan C. Alcantara
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Anett-Yvonn Loos
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Soojin Ryu
- Living Systems Institute & College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Erin M. Schuman
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
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10
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Gustison ML, Phelps SM. Individual differences in social attachment: A multi-disciplinary perspective. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12792. [PMID: 35170839 PMCID: PMC8916993 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Social behavior varies across both individuals and species. Research to explain this variation falls under the purview of multiple disciplines, each with its own theoretical and empirical traditions. Integration of these disciplinary traditions is key to developing a holistic perspective. Here, we review research on the biology of social attachment, a phenomena in which individuals develop strong affective connections to one another. We provide a historical overview of research on social attachment from psychological, ethological and neurobiological perspectives. As a case study, we describe work on pair-bonding in prairie voles, a socially monogamous rodent. This specific topic takes advantage of many biological perspectives and techniques to explain social bonds. Lastly, we conclude with an overview of multi-dimensional conceptual frameworks that can be used to explain social phenomena, and we propose a new framework for research on individual variation in attachment behavior. These conceptual frameworks originate from philosophy, physics, ethology, cognitive science and neuroscience. The application and synthesis of such frameworks offers a rich opportunity to advance understanding of social behavior and its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L. Gustison
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - Steven M. Phelps
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
- Institute for NeuroscienceThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
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11
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Liu FA, Ardabili N, Brown I, Rafi H, Cook C, Nikopoulou R, Lopez A, Zou S, Hartings MR, Zestos AG. Modified Sawhorse Waveform for the Voltammetric Detection of Oxytocin. JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022; 169:017512. [PMID: 35185166 PMCID: PMC8856629 DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ac4aae] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) have been used to detect neurotransmitters and other biomolecules using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) for the past few decades. This technique measures neurotransmitters such as dopamine and, more recently, physiologically relevant neuropeptides. Oxytocin, a pleiotropic peptide hormone, is physiologically important for adaptation, development, reproduction, and social behavior. This neuropeptide functions as a stress-coping molecule, an anti-inflammatory agent, and serves as an antioxidant with protective effects especially during adversity or trauma. Here, we measure tyrosine using the Modified Sawhorse Waveform (MSW), enabling enhanced electrode sensitivity for the amino acid and oxytocin peptide. Applying the MSW, decreased surface fouling and enabled codetection with other monoamines. As oxytocin contains tyrosine, the MSW was also used to detect oxytocin. The sensitivity of oxytocin detection was found to be 3.99 ± 0.49 nA/μM, (n=5). Additionally, we demonstrate that applying the MSW on CFMEs allows for real time measurements of exogenously applied oxytocin on rat brain slices. These studies may serve as novel assays for oxytocin detection in a fast, sub-second timescale with possible implications for in vivo measurements and further understanding of the physiological role of oxytocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favian A. Liu
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Negar Ardabili
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Izaiah Brown
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Harmain Rafi
- Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Clarice Cook
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | | | - Arianna Lopez
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Shouzhong Zou
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | | | - Alexander G. Zestos
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
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12
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Anneser L, Alcantara IC, Gemmer A, Mirkes K, Ryu S, Schuman EM. The neuropeptide Pth2 dynamically senses others via mechanosensation. Nature 2020; 588:653-657. [PMID: 33268890 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Species that depend on membership in social groups for survival exhibit changes in neuronal gene expression and behaviour when they face restricted social interactions or isolation1-3. Here we show that, across the lifespan of zebrafish (Danio rerio), social isolation specifically decreased the level of transcription of pth2, the gene that encodes the vertebrate-specific neuropeptide Pth2. However, 30 minutes of exposure to conspecifics was sufficient to initiate a significant rescue of pth2 transcript levels in previously isolated zebrafish. Transcription of pth2 exhibited bidirectional dynamics; following the acute isolation of socially reared fish, a rapid reduction in the levels of pth2 was observed. The expression of pth2 tracked not only the presence of other fish but also the density of the group. The sensory modality that controls the expression of pth2 was neither visual nor chemosensory in origin but instead was mechanical, induced by the movements of neighbouring fish. Chemical ablation of the mechanosensitive neuromast cells within the lateral line of fish prevented the rescue of pth2 levels that was induced by the social environment. In addition, mechanical perturbation of the water at frequencies similar to the movements of the zebrafish tail was sufficient to rescue the levels of pth2 in previously isolated fish. These data indicate a previously underappreciated role for the relatively unexplored neuropeptide Pth2 in both tracking and responding to the population density of the social environment of an animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Anneser
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ivan C Alcantara
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.,Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anja Gemmer
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Soojin Ryu
- Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Living Systems Institute, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Erin M Schuman
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.
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13
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Campbell SK, Cortés-Ortiz L. Oxytocin amino acid variation within Neotropical primates: new genetic variants in hormone and receptor sequences and evidence for evolutionary forces driving this unexpected diversity. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Oxytocin is a mammalian neuropeptide hormone that mediates behaviours important to reproduction. Despite almost universal amino acid sequence conservation across most groups of mammals, several unique forms have been reported across Neotropical primates. To explore sequence diversity, we investigated the genes encoding oxytocin and its receptor across the Atelidae, which was known to contain at least three unique oxytocin sequences. Additionally, we included the genus Cebus, within the Cebidae, to further explore the ubiquity of the Pro8 variant in this family. We found a novel amino acid variant (Val3) within the Atelidae radiation, bringing the total number of oxytocin sequences within Neotropical primates to seven. Analyses of physicochemical properties revealed conservative substitutions that are likely tolerated within the selective constraints imposed by receptor binding. Furthermore, we report radical substitutions at the eighth codon and evidence for co-evolution between Pro8 and a ligand-binding region of the oxytocin receptor in the Atelidae, supporting the notion that this variant may affect binding specificity. Overall, we suggest that selective constraint on binding specificity may maintain proper oxytocin function and that the diversification of amino acid sequence is likely due to a variety of processes such as relaxed constraint, neutral mutation, positive selection and coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna K Campbell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Liliana Cortés-Ortiz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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14
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Pierce ML, French JA, Murray TF. Comparison of the pharmacological profiles of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin analogs at marmoset, macaque, and human vasopressin 1a receptor. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 126:110060. [PMID: 32145592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) are nonapeptides that bind to G-protein coupled receptors and influence social behaviors. Consensus mammalian AVP and OT (Leu8-OT) sequences are highly conserved. In marmosets, an amino acid change in the 8th position of the peptide (Pro8-OT) exhibits unique structural and functional properties. There is ∼85 % structural homology between the OT receptor (OTR) and vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) resulting in significant cross-reactivity between the ligands and receptors. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing marmoset (mV1aR), macaque (qV1aR), or human vasopressin receptor 1a (hV1aR) were used to assess AVP, Leu8-OT and Pro8-OT pharmacological profiles. To assess activation of Gq, functional assays were performed using Fluo-3 to measure ligand-induced Ca2+ mobilization. In all three V1aR-expressing cell lines, AVP was more potent than the OT ligands. To assess ligand-induced hyperpolarization, FLIPR Membrane Potential (FMP) assays were performed. In all three V1aR lines, AVP was more potent than the OT analogs. The distinctive U-shaped concentration-response curve displayed by AVP may reflect enhanced desensitization of the mV1aR and hV1aR, which is not observed with qV1aR. Evaluation of Ca2+-activated potassium (K+) channels using the inhibitors apamin, paxilline, and TRAM-34 demonstrated that both intermediate and large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels contributed to membrane hyperpolarization, with different pharmacological profiles identified for distinct ligand-receptor combinations. Taken together, these data suggest differences in ligand-receptor signaling that may underlie differences in social behavior. Integrative studies of behavior, genetics and ligand-receptor interaction will help elucidate the connection between receptor pharmacology and social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha L Pierce
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Thomas F Murray
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
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15
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Pierce ML, French JA, Murray TF. Comparison of the pharmacologic profiles of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin analogs at marmoset, titi monkey, macaque, and human oxytocin receptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109832. [PMID: 32018219 PMCID: PMC7196279 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin-arginine vasopressin (OT-AVP) ligand-receptor family influences a variety of physiological, behavioral, and social behavioral processes in the brain and periphery. The OT-AVP family is highly conserved in mammals, but recent discoveries have revealed remarkable diversity in OT ligands and receptors in New World Monkeys (NWMs) providing a unique opportunity to assess the effects of genetic variation on pharmacological signatures of peptide ligands. The consensus mammalian OT sequence has leucine in the 8th position (Leu8-OT), whereas a number of NWMs, including the marmoset, have proline in the 8th position (Pro8-OT) resulting in a more rigid tail structure. OT and AVP bind to OT’s cognate G-protein coupled receptor (OTR), which couples to various G-proteins (Gi/o, Gq, Gs) to stimulate diverse signaling pathways. CHO cells expressing marmoset (mOTR), titi monkey (tOTR), macaque (qOTR), or human (hOTR) OT receptors were used to compare AVP and OT analog-induced signaling. Assessment of Gq-mediated increase in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) demonstrated that AVP was less potent than OT analogs at OTRs from species whose endogenous ligand is Leu8-OT (tOTR, qOTR, hOTR), relative to Pro8-OT. Likewise, AVP-induced membrane hyperpolarization was less potent at these same OTRs. Evaluation of (Ca2+)-activated potassium (K+) channels using the inhibitors apamin, paxilline, and TRAM-34 demonstrated that both intermediate and large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels contributed to membrane hyperpolarization, with different pharmacological profiles identified for distinct ligand-receptor combinations. Understanding more fully the contributions of structure activity relationships for these peptide ligands at vasopressin and OT receptors will help guide the development of OT-mediated therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha L Pierce
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, 555 31St., Downers Grove, IL, 60515, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE, 68182, USA.
| | - Thomas F Murray
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
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16
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Mulholland MM, Navabpour SV, Mareno MC, Schapiro SJ, Young LJ, Hopkins WD. AVPR1A variation is linked to gray matter covariation in the social brain network of chimpanzees. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12631. [PMID: 31894656 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The vasopressin system has been implicated in the regulation of social behavior and cognition in humans, nonhuman primates and other social mammals. In chimpanzees, polymorphisms in the vasopressin V1a receptor gene (AVPR1A) have been associated with social dimensions of personality, as well as to responses to sociocommunicative cues and mirror self-recognition. Despite evidence of this association with social cognition and behavior, there is little research on the neuroanatomical correlates of AVPR1A variation. In the current study, we tested the association between AVPR1A polymorphisms in the RS3 promotor region and gray matter covariation in chimpanzees using magnetic resonance imaging and source-based morphometry. The analysis identified 13 independent brain components, three of which differed significantly in covariation between the two AVPR1A genotypes (DupB-/- and DupB+/-; P < .05). DupB+/- chimpanzees showed greater covariation in gray matter in the premotor and prefrontal cortex, basal forebrain, lunate and cingulate cortex, and lesser gray matter covariation in the superior temporal sulcus and postcentral sulcus. Some of these regions were previously found to differ in vasopressin and oxytocin neural fibers between nonhuman primates, and in AVPR1A gene expression in humans with different RS3 alleles. This is the first report of an association between AVPR1A and gray matter covariation in nonhuman primates, and specifically links an AVPR1A polymorphism to structural variation in the social brain network. These results further affirm the value of chimpanzees as a model species for investigating the relationship between genetic variation, brain structure and social cognition with relevance to psychiatric disorders, including autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Mulholland
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
| | | | - Mary C Mareno
- Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
| | - Steven J Schapiro
- Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas.,University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Larry J Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William D Hopkins
- Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Texas
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17
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Leu 8 and Pro 8 oxytocin agonism differs across human, macaque, and marmoset vasopressin 1a receptors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15480. [PMID: 31664130 PMCID: PMC6820730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is an important neuromodulator of social behaviors via activation of both oxytocin receptors (OXTR) and vasopressin (AVP) 1a receptors (AVPR1a). Marmosets are neotropical primates with a modified OXT ligand (Pro8-OXT), and this ligand shows significant coevolution with traits including social monogamy and litter size. Pro8-OXT produces more potent and efficacious responses at primate OXTR and stronger behavioral effects than the consensus mammalian OXT ligand (Leu8-OXT). Here, we tested whether OXT/AVP ligands show differential levels of crosstalk at primate AVPR1a. We measured binding affinities and Ca2+ signaling responses of AVP, Pro8-OXT and Leu8-OXT at human, macaque, and marmoset AVPR1a. We found that AVP binds with higher affinity than OXT across AVPR1a, and marmoset AVPR1a show a 10-fold lower OXT binding affinity compared to human and macaque AVPR1a. Both Leu8-OXT and Pro8-OXT produce a less efficacious response than AVP at human AVPR1a and higher efficacious response than AVP at marmoset AVPR1a. These data suggest that OXT might partially antagonize endogenous human AVPR1a signaling and enhance marmoset AVPR1a signaling. These findings aid in further understanding inconsistencies observed following systemic intranasal administration of OXT and provide important insights into taxon-specific differences in nonapeptide ligand/receptor coevolution and behavior.
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18
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Fam BSO, Reales G, Vargas-Pinilla P, Paré P, Viscardi LH, Sortica VA, Felkl AB, de O Franco Á, Lucion AB, Costa-Neto CM, Pissinatti A, Salzano FM, Paixão-Côrtes VR, Bortolini MC. AVPR1b variation and the emergence of adaptive phenotypes in Platyrrhini primates. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e23028. [PMID: 31318063 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Platyrrhini (New World monkeys, NWm) are a group of primates characterized by behavioral and reproductive traits that are otherwise uncommon among primates, including social monogamy, direct paternal care, and twin births. As a consequence, the study of Platyrrhine primates is an invaluable tool for the discovery of the genetic repertoire underlying these taxon-specific traits. Recently, high conservation of vasopressin (AVP) sequence, in contrast with high variability of oxytocin (OXT), has been described in NWm. AVP and OXT functions are possible due to interaction with their receptors: AVPR1a, AVPR1b, AVPR2, and OXTR; and the variability in this system is associated with the traits mentioned above. Understanding the variability in the receptors is thus fundamental to understand the function and evolution of the system as a whole. Here we describe the variability of AVPR1b coding region in 20 NWm species, which is well-known to influence behavioral traits such as aggression, anxiety, and stress control in placental mammals. Our results indicate that 4% of AVPR1b sites may be under positive selection and a significant number of sites under relaxed selective constraint. Considering the known role of AVPR1b, we suggest that some of the changes described here for the Platyrrhini may be a part of the genetic repertoire connected with the complex network of neuroendocrine mechanisms of AVP-OXT system in the modulation of the HPA axis. Thus, these changes may have promoted the emergence of social behaviors such as direct paternal care in socially monogamous species that are also characterized by small body size and twin births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana S O Fam
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guillermo Reales
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,INAGEMP - Instituto de Genética Médica e Populacional, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Pedro Vargas-Pinilla
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Pamela Paré
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas H Viscardi
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vinicius A Sortica
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline B Felkl
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Álvaro de O Franco
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Aldo B Lucion
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudio M Costa-Neto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Francisco M Salzano
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanessa R Paixão-Côrtes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Maria Cátira Bortolini
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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19
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Pierce ML, Mehrotra S, Mustoe AC, French JA, Murray TF. A Comparison of the Ability of Leu 8- and Pro 8-Oxytocin to Regulate Intracellular Ca 2+ and Ca 2+-Activated K + Channels at Human and Marmoset Oxytocin Receptors. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 95:376-385. [PMID: 30739093 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.114744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin (OT) regulates biologic functions in both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, OT influences social processes, including peer relationships, maternal-infant bonding, and affiliative social relationships. In mammals, the nonapeptide OT structure is highly conserved with leucine in the eighth position (Leu8-OT). In marmosets (Callithrix), a nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution in the OXT gene codes for proline in the eighth residue position (Pro8-OT). OT binds to its cognate G protein-coupled receptor (OTR) and exerts diverse effects, including stimulation (Gs) or inhibition (Gi/o) of adenylyl cyclase, stimulation of potassium channel currents (Gi), and activation of phospholipase C (Gq). Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing marmoset or human oxytocin receptors (mOTRs or hOTRs, respectively) were used to characterize OT signaling. At the mOTR, Pro8-OT was more efficacious than Leu8-OT in measures of Gq activation, with both peptides displaying subnanomolar potencies. At the hOTR, neither the potency nor efficacy of Pro8-OT and Leu8-OT differed with respect to Gq signaling. In both mOTR- and hOTR-expressing cells, Leu8-OT was more potent and modestly more efficacious than Pro8-OT in inducing hyperpolarization. In mOTR cells, Leu8-OT-induced hyperpolarization was modestly inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX), consistent with a minor role for Gi/o activation; however, the Pro8-OT response in mOTR and hOTR cells was PTX insensitive. These findings are consistent with membrane hyperpolarization being largely mediated by a Gq signaling mechanism leading to Ca2+-dependent activation of K+ channels. Evaluation of the influence of apamin, charybdotoxin, paxilline, and TRAM-34 demonstrated involvement of both intermediate and large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha L Pierce
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska (M.L.P., S.M., T.F.M.); and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska (A.C.M., J.A.F.)
| | - Suneet Mehrotra
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska (M.L.P., S.M., T.F.M.); and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska (A.C.M., J.A.F.)
| | - Aaryn C Mustoe
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska (M.L.P., S.M., T.F.M.); and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska (A.C.M., J.A.F.)
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska (M.L.P., S.M., T.F.M.); and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska (A.C.M., J.A.F.)
| | - Thomas F Murray
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska (M.L.P., S.M., T.F.M.); and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska (A.C.M., J.A.F.)
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20
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Cavanaugh J, Mustoe A, Womack SL, French JA. Oxytocin modulates mate-guarding behavior in marmoset monkeys. Horm Behav 2018; 106:150-161. [PMID: 30342885 PMCID: PMC6298842 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In socially-monogamous species, intolerance of interactions between a pairmate and a sexual rival (i.e., mate-guarding) promotes the preservation of long-lasting partnerships. One promising neurobiological candidate for the regulation of mate-guarding behavior in monogamous primates is the oxytocin (OT) system, given its established role in both the development of monogamous bonds and the behavioral processes that facilitate the preservation of those bonds. In this study, male and female marmosets were exposed to a same-sex intruder in their home environment during conditions when their pairmate was present and absent, and across three treatment conditions (OT receptor agonist; saline control; OT receptor antagonist). Saline-treated marmosets spent significantly more time in proximity to the intruder, relative to the empty pairmate enclosure, when their pairmate was absent. However, when marmosets received OT they spent less time in proximity to the intruder, indicating that OT may reduce interest in a same-sex stranger in a territorial context. When their pairmate was present, saline-treated marmosets spent equal time in proximity to both intruder and pairmate; yet when they received OT they spent significantly more time in proximity to the intruder, indicating that OT may increase interest in a same-sex stranger in a mate-guarding context. While OT treatment did not directly influence the expression of aggression, OT system manipulations impacted the expression of selective social interest during an intruder challenge, suggesting that OT may enhance adaptive responses to social challenges. Moreover, these findings add to the converging evidence that the OT system regulates behavioral processes that underlie the preservation of established relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Cavanaugh
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America.
| | - Aaryn Mustoe
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America
| | - Stephanie L Womack
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America; Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America
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21
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Mustoe A, Taylor JH, French JA. Oxytocin structure and function in New World monkeys: from pharmacology to behavior. Integr Zool 2018; 13:634-654. [PMID: 29436774 PMCID: PMC6089668 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a hypothalamic nonapeptide that mediates a host of physiological and behavioral processes including reproductive physiology and social attachments. While the OT sequence structure is highly conserved among mammals, New World monkeys (NWMs) represent an unusual "hot spot" in OT structure variability among mammals. At least 6 distinct OT ligand variants among NWMs exist, yet it is currently unclear whether these evolved structural changes result in meaningful functional consequences. NWMs offer a new area to explore how these modifications to OT and its canonical G-protein coupled OT receptor (OTR) may mediate specific cellular, physiological and behavioral outcomes. In this review, we highlight relationships between OT ligand and OTR structural variability, specifically examining coevolution between OT ligands, OTRs, and physiological and behavioral phenotypes across NWMs. We consider whether these evolved modifications to the OT structure alter pharmacological profiles at human and marmoset OTRs, including changes to receptor binding, intracellular signaling and receptor internalization. Finally, we evaluate whether exogenous manipulation using OT variants in marmoset monkeys differentially enhance or impair behavioral processes involved in social relationships between pairmates, opposite-sex strangers, and parents and their offspring. Overall, it appears that changes to OT ligands in NWMs result in important changes ranging from cellular signaling to broad measures of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaryn Mustoe
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jack H Taylor
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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22
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Cavanaugh J, Mustoe A, French JA. Oxytocin regulates reunion affiliation with a pairmate following social separation in marmosets. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22750. [PMID: 29527695 PMCID: PMC6133767 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While separation from significant social partners produces a host of neurobiological and behavioral perturbations, including behavioral distress and increased glucocorticoid production, positive social interactions upon reunion are critical for the reestablishment of normative relationship dynamics and the attenuation of the biobehavioral stress response. The hormone oxytocin has critical and pervasive roles in reproductive and behavioral processes across the lifespan, and plays a particularly prominent role in social bonding. In this study, we examined the extent that oxytocin modulates interactions with a pairmate following separation challenges that varied in both social context (isolation; separation) and duration (long; short), in marmosets. We demonstrated that the impact of pharmacological manipulations of the oxytocin system on the expression of affiliation upon reunion depended on both the context and duration of the separation challenge. Specifically, marmosets treated with an oxytocin antagonist spent less time in proximity with their pairmate upon reunion following a long-separation challenge. During the short-separation challenge, marmosets engaged in more social gaze when separated with an opposite-sex stranger, but not when separated with their mate. Furthermore, marmosets that received the most social gaze from opposite-sex strangers spent the most time in proximity with their long-term mate upon reunion. We also showed that marmosets treated with an OT agonist received increased levels of gaze from opposite-sex strangers, but not from their mate. Overall, these results suggest that marmosets are sensitive to the nature of the social interactions during separation, and subsequently alter their expression of affiliation upon reunion with their long-term mate. These findings further implicate oxytocin as a bond-enhancing molecule that regulates the reestablishment of normative levels of affiliation with a mate following separation, and add to the emerging literature that suggests the OT system underlies critical behavioral processes that contribute to the preservation of long-lasting social bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Cavanaugh
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Aaryn Mustoe
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jeffrey A. French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
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Taylor JH, Schulte NA, French JA, Toews ML. Binding Characteristics of Two Oxytocin Variants and Vasopressin at Oxytocin Receptors from Four Primate Species with Different Social Behavior Patterns. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 367:101-107. [PMID: 30068728 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.250852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A clade of New World monkeys (NWMs) exhibits considerable diversity in both oxytocin (OT) ligand and oxytocin receptor (OTR) structure. Most notable is the variant Pro8-OT, with proline instead of leucine at the eighth position, resulting in a rigid bend in the peptide backbone. A higher proportion of species that express Pro8-OT also engage in biparental care and social monogamy. When marmosets (genus Callithrix), a biparental and monogamous Pro8-OT NWM species, are administered the ancestral Leu8-OT, there is no change in social behavior compared with saline treatment. However, when Pro8-OT is administered, marmosets' sociosexual and prosocial behaviors are altered. The studies here tested the hypothesis that OTR binding affinities and OT-induced intracellular Ca2+ potencies would favor the native OT ligand in OTRs from four primate species, each representing a unique combination of ancestral lineage, breeding system, and native OT ligand: humans (Leu8-OT, monogamous, apes), macaques (Leu8-OT, nonmonogamous, Old World monkey), marmosets (Pro8-OT, monogamous, NWM), and titi monkeys (Leu8-OT, monogamous, NWM). OTRs were expressed in immortalized Chinese hamster ovary cells and tested for intact-cell binding affinities for Pro8-OT, Leu8-OT, and arginine vasopressin (AVP), as well as intracellular Ca2+ signaling after stimulation with Pro8-OT, Leu8-OT, and AVP. Contrary to our hypothesis, Pro8-OT bound at modestly higher affinities and stimulated calcium signaling at modestly higher potencies compared with Leu8-OT in all four primate OTRs. Thus, differences downstream from a ligand-receptor binding event are more likely to explain the different behavioral responses to these two ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H Taylor
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
| | - Nancy A Schulte
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
| | - Myron L Toews
- Departments of Psychology (J.H.T., J.A.F.) and Biology (J.A.F.), Callitrichid Research Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; and Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska (N.A.S., M.L.T.)
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Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1805-1908. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gαior Gαqproteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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French JA, Cavanaugh J, Mustoe AC, Carp SB, Womack SL. Social Monogamy in Nonhuman Primates: Phylogeny, Phenotype, and Physiology. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:410-434. [PMID: 28704071 PMCID: PMC6004613 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1339774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Monogamy as a social system has been both a scientific puzzle and a sociocultural issue for decades. In this review, we examine social monogamy from a comparative perspective with a focus on primates, our closest genetic relatives. We break down monogamy into component elements, including pair-bonding and partner preference, mate guarding or jealousy, social attachment, and biparental care. Our survey of primates shows that not all features are present in species classified as socially monogamous, in the same way that human monogamous relationships may not include all elements-a perspective we refer to as "monogamy à la carte." Our review includes a survey of the neurobiological correlates of social monogamy in primates, exploring unique or common pathways for the elemental components of monogamy. This compilation reveals that the components of monogamy are modulated by a suite of androgenic steroids, glucocorticoid hormones, the nonapeptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, and other neurotransmitter systems (e.g., dopamine and opioids). We propose that efforts to understand the biological underpinnings of complex human and animal sociosexual relationships will be well served by exploring individual phenotypic traits, as opposed to pursuing these questions with the assumption that monogamy is a unitary trait or a species-specific characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A French
- a Department of Psychology and Department of Biology , University of Nebraska Omaha
| | - Jon Cavanaugh
- b Department of Psychology , University of Nebraska Omaha
| | - Aaryn C Mustoe
- b Department of Psychology , University of Nebraska Omaha
| | - Sarah B Carp
- b Department of Psychology , University of Nebraska Omaha
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Bales KL, Arias del Razo R, Conklin QA, Hartman S, Mayer HS, Rogers FD, Simmons TC, Smith LK, Williams A, Williams DR, Witczak LR, Wright EC. Titi Monkeys as a Novel Non-Human Primate Model for the Neurobiology of Pair Bonding
. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2017; 90:373-387. [PMID: 28955178 PMCID: PMC5612182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is now widely recognized that social bonds are critical to human health and well-being. One of the most important social bonds is the attachment relationship between two adults, known as the pair bond. The pair bond involves many characteristics that are inextricably linked to quality of health, including providing a secure psychological base and acting as a social buffer against stress. The majority of our knowledge about the neurobiology of pair bonding comes from studies of a socially monogamous rodent, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), and from human imaging studies, which inherently lack control. Here, we first review what is known of the neurobiology of pair bonding from humans and prairie voles. We then present a summary of the studies we have conducted in titi monkeys (Callicebus cupreus)-a species of socially monogamous New World primates. Finally, we construct a neural model based on the location of neuropeptide receptors in the titi monkey brain, as well as the location of neural changes in our imaging studies, with some basic assumptions based on the prairie vole model. In this model, we emphasize the role of visual mating stimuli as well as contributions of the dopaminergic reward system and a strong role for the lateral septum. This model represents an important step in understanding the neurobiology of social bonds in non-human primates, which will in turn facilitate a better understanding of these mechanisms in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Karen L. Bales, Department of Psychology, One Shields Ave., University of California, Davis, CA, 95616. Tel: 530-754-5890; Fax: 530-752-2087;
| | - Rocío Arias del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
| | - Quinn A. Conklin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Sarah Hartman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of California, Davis, CA
| | | | | | | | - Leigh K. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Alexia Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
| | | | - Lynea R. Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA,California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
| | - Emily C. Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA
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Functional New World monkey oxytocin forms elicit an altered signaling profile and promotes parental care in rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:9044-9049. [PMID: 28784762 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1711687114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin is a key player in the modulation of reproductive and social behavioral traits, such as parental care. Recently, a correlation between different forms of oxytocin and behavioral phenotypes has been described in the New World Monkeys (NWMs). Here, we demonstrate that, compared with the Leu8OXT found in most placental mammals, the Cebidae Pro8OXT and Saguinus Val3Pro8OXT taxon-specific variants act as equi-efficacious agonists for the Gq-dependent pathway but are weaker agonists for the β-arrestin engagement and subsequent endocytosis toward the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Upon interaction with the AVPR1a, Pro8OXT and the common Leu8OXT yielded similar signaling profiles, being equally efficacious on Gq and β-arrestin, while Val3Pro8OXT showed reduced relative efficacy toward β-arrestin. Intranasal treatment with either of the variants increased maternal behavior and also promoted unusual paternal care in rats, as measured by pup-retrieval tests. We therefore suggest that Val3Pro8OXT and Pro8OXT are functional variants, which might have been evolutionarily co-opted as an essential part of the adaptive genetic repertoire that allowed the emergence of taxon-specific complex social behaviors, such as intense parental care in the Cebidae and the genus Saguinus.
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Taylor JH, Intorre AA, French JA. Vasopressin and Oxytocin Reduce Food Sharing Behavior in Male, but Not Female Marmosets in Family Groups. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:181. [PMID: 28798724 PMCID: PMC5529352 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is critical for lactation and maternal care, but OT and the related nonapeptide vasopressin are important for caregiving behaviors in fathers and alloparents as well. This experiment tested the effects of vasopressin and OT on food sharing in marmoset families. We treated caregivers (parents, siblings) with intranasal vasopressin, OT, or saline, and then paired them with the youngest marmoset in the family. Caregivers were given preferred food, and then observed for food sharing and aggressive behavior with young marmosets. OT reduced food sharing from male alloparents to youngest siblings, and fathers that received vasopressin refused to share food with their youngest offspring more often than when treated with OT. Vasopressin increased aggressive vocalizations directed toward potential food recipients in all classes of caregivers. These results indicate that vasopressin and OT do not always enhance prosocial behavior: modulation of food sharing depends on both sex and parental status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H. Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
- Callitrichid Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Allison A. Intorre
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
- Callitrichid Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jeffrey A. French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
- Callitrichid Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, United States
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Kavaliers M, Choleris E. Out-Group Threat Responses, In-Group Bias, and Nonapeptide Involvement Are Conserved across Vertebrates: (A Comment on Bruintjes et al., "Out-Group Threat Promotes Within-Group Affiliation in a Cooperative Fish"). Am Nat 2017; 189:453-458. [PMID: 28350495 DOI: 10.1086/690838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The challenges and threats posed by out-groups have major effects on human social behavior and how individuals interact with one another. We briefly review evidence here that out-group threat similarly affects nonhuman animal behavior. Actual and potential threats posed by out-group individuals (unfamiliar and genetically nonrelated individuals of the same species) affect social behavior promoting "out-group" avoidance and "in-group" bias and enhancing in-group (familiar and/or genetically related individuals) affiliation and interactions. Individuals from out-groups present risks of pathogen exposure as well as being threats to resources, territory, and offspring. All of these threats function to promote in-group bias in humans and nonhumans. There are also striking similarities in the underlying neurobiological mechanisms mediating the responses to out-group threat and the expression of in-group bias. In particular, the evolutionarily conserved, hormone-regulated nonapeptide systems (oxytocin, arginine-vasopressin, and homologous neuropeptides and their receptors) are involved in the mediation of the detection and avoidance of out-groups and response to in-groups and facilitation of in-group responses across multiple vertebrate species. Consequently, comparative investigations of both the behavioral expression of and the mechanism underlying out-group avoidance and in-group bias are necessary for a full understanding of the evolution of social behavior and responses to in- and out-groups.
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Vargas-Pinilla P, Babb P, Nunes L, Paré P, Rosa G, Felkl A, Longo D, Salzano FM, Paixão-Côrtes VR, Gonçalves GL, Bortolini MC. Progesterone Response Element Variation in the OXTR Promoter Region and Paternal Care in New World Monkeys. Behav Genet 2016; 47:77-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s10519-016-9806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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