From mating to mama bear: Distinct VMHvl cell types drive female reproductive state-dependent behavior

In this issue of Neuron, Liu et al. (2022) molecularly identify subsets of estrogen receptor-1-positive neurons within the female ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial hypothalamus activated during sexual receptivity versus agonistic behaviors in distinct reproductive states and demonstrate that these subsets control state-dependent changes in social behaviors. In this issue of Neuron, Liu et al. (2022) molecularly identify subsets of estrogen receptor-1-positive neurons within the female ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial hypothalamus activated during sexual receptivity versus agonistic behaviors in distinct reproductive states and demonstrate that these subsets control state-dependent changes in social behaviors.