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Molecular regulation of sexual preference revealed by genetic studies of 5-HT in the brains of male mice

Author

Listed:
  • Yan Liu

    (National Institute of Biological Sciences
    Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College)

  • Yun’ai Jiang

    (National Institute of Biological Sciences
    Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, and Graduate School of the China Academy of Science)

  • Yunxia Si

    (National Institute of Biological Sciences)

  • Ji-Young Kim

    (Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, and the Pain Center, Washington University, School of Medicine)

  • Zhou-Feng Chen

    (Psychiatry and Developmental Biology, and the Pain Center, Washington University, School of Medicine)

  • Yi Rao

    (National Institute of Biological Sciences
    Peking University School of Life Sciences)

Abstract

A neural link to the sex drive To whom should a male direct his efforts to find a mate? Little is known about the mechanisms controlling this fundamental social interaction in mammals. Now it is reported that serotonergic neuron signalling stabilizes sexual preference in mice. Loss of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) through knockout of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 causes indiscriminate mating behaviour in male mice. This suggests a role for serotonergic signalling in sexual interactions, and more generally for neurotransmitters in social relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan Liu & Yun’ai Jiang & Yunxia Si & Ji-Young Kim & Zhou-Feng Chen & Yi Rao, 2011. "Molecular regulation of sexual preference revealed by genetic studies of 5-HT in the brains of male mice," Nature, Nature, vol. 472(7341), pages 95-99, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:472:y:2011:i:7341:d:10.1038_nature09822
    DOI: 10.1038/nature09822
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