Discovery of a novel role for an elusive brain region in maternal behaviors in mice

Gestation leads to a modification of brain circuits and behaviors such as nesting within the animal kingdom. The underlying biological, neural and hormonal mechanisms have been unknown until now. In a new study, the team led by Nicolas Renier (Inserm) at the Paris Brain Institute has discovered a novel role for hormone-sensitive neurons in the center of the brain, which are necessary for maternal nesting behavior in female mice. These results were published in the journal Neuron.