Impact of the circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα in dorsal raphe 5-HT neurons on social interaction behavior, especially social preference

Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Published online: 03 August 2023; doi:10.1038/s12276-023-01052-7Daily fluctuation of serotonin levels during the day, controlled by a nuclear receptor called REV-ERBα, is important in social behavior and may offer insights into conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The neurotransmitter serotonin influences behavior and mood, but how its circadian fluctuations affect social behavior is not fully understood. Kyungjin Kim at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology in Daegu, South Korea, and co-workers used mice lacking REV-ERBα to investigate links between brain chemistry and social behaviors. These mice, in contrast to controls, showed no preference for a novel mouse over an empty cage. Real-time measurement linked this behavior to higher nighttime levels of serotonin in the brains of the receptor-deficient mice. These results contribute to understanding the biology underlying social behavior and may help identify interventions for conditions such as ASD.
Source: Experimental and Molecular Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research