Neurons for infant social behaviors in the mouse zona incerta

Neurons for infant social behaviors in the mouse zona incerta Repository containing datasets supporting the study. Github link to related analysis code: https://github.com/yxl95/zona_incerta_infant_social_behavior Abstract: The social bond of the infant with their mother alleviates distress and supports learning. However, which neurons in the infant brain participate in this bond remain largely unknown. We report that somatostatin-expressing neurons in the zona incerta (ZISST) are tuned to the early social experiences of mouse pups. Social interactions, particularly social contact with the mother, strongly activate ZISST neurons. The activation of ZISST neurons reduces the distress response of socially isolated pups and is important for the effect of maternal reunion in alleviating the infant’s behavioral distress. Similar to how mothers promote infant learning, the activation of ZISST neurons in pups facilitates the learning of new positive associations. Conversely, the inhibition ZISST neurons during maternal reunion hinders the formation of these learned associations. Thus, this study reveals a population of neurons that is tuned to the early social experiences of the infant with their mother to facilitate learning.