A neural circuit for male sexual behavior and reward

Male sexual behavior is innate and rewarding. Despite its centrality to reproduction, a molecularly specified neural circuit governing innate male sexual behavior and reward remains to be characterized. We have discovered a developmentally wired neural circuit necessary and sufficient for male mating. This circuit connects chemosensory input to BNSTprTac1 neurons, which innervate POATacr1 neurons that project to centers regulating motor output and reward. Epistasis studies demonstrate that BNSTprTac1 neurons are upstream of POATacr1 neurons, and BNSTprTac1-released substance P following mate recognition potentiates activation of POATacr1 neurons through Tacr1 to initiate mating. Experimental activation of POATacr1 neurons triggers mating, even in sexually satiated males, and it is rewarding, eliciting dopamine release and self-stimulation of these cells. Together, we have uncovered a neural circuit that governs the key aspects of innate male sexual behavior: motor displays, drive, and reward. [Display omitted] •A multisynaptic neural circuit that converts sensory input to male sexual behavior•An embedded molecular timer delays mating onset following mate recognition•This neural circuit elicits dopamine release and governs male sexual drive and reward•This neural circuit governs libido and motor displays of male sexual behavior Molecular genetics, neuronal activity monitoring, and circuit epistasis reveal a developmentally wired neural circuit for male sexual behavior that senses pheromones, recognizes mates, triggers mating, and governs sexual drive and reward.