The Lab for Neurobiology of Social Behavior

The survival and success of all mammals depend on their ability to communicate and interact with other individuals of the same species. Although social interactions are mediated through various senses in distinct mammals, they finally activate similar conserved brain areas. Within these areas, the limbic system, which was found to be involved in the processing of emotions, has a central role. Recently there has been a significant progress in identifying mammalian brain neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and preservation of social information.                                                                                                                                                      l

Our laboratory investigates learning and memory processes involved in social interactions. Our aim is to understand the information processing in the neuronal networks that are involved in social behavior and to reveal the way by which this information is stored as memories, at the molecular, cellular, neuronal network and system levels. We combine behavioral, biochemical, molecular, electrophysiological and imaging methods to uncover cellular circuitry and to monitor changes in neuronal activity in these networks, during social interactions. We also use genetic engineering to create transgenic mice strains that will facilitate our research.                                                                                                                                                                           l

In rodents, including mice and rats, social interactions are mediated mainly by pheromones. These molecules are detected by two sensory systems: 1 – The main olfactory system, also mediating the general sense of smell. 2 – The accessory olfactory system, also known as the vomeronasal system, a separate chemosensory system assumed to be dedicated for the detection of pheromones. Both systems send information regarding the detection of pheromones to a limbic structure called the medial amygdala, where this information is processed and elicit motor, endocrine and emotional responses.                                                                      l

We use several behavioral paradigms to investigate the neuronal network and mechanisms underlying social recognition memory. This memory was found in rodents to be mediated by information arriving through both the main and accessory olfactory systems to the recipient medial amygdala and from there to the hippocampus via the lateral septum. Two neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasoprsessin, were found to be crucial for the formation of social recognition memory. Rodents devoid of oxytocin, vasopressin or their receptors do not show social recognition memory, although they show normal function as regards to other types of memory. The role of oxytocin and vasopressin in mammalian social behavior in one of the topics we focus our research on .                                                                                                                                                                   l

A related subject which is also explored in our laboratory is autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the prevalence of which has sharply increased over the past two decades, with a current occurrence of about 1% of the population. One of the genes that are genetically associated with the disorder is the OxtR gene, encoding the receptor for oxytocin. Furthermore, oxytocin sniffing was found to relieve some of the autism-related symptoms and is now under clinical experiments as a treatment for autism. In the lab we explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate the expression of the oxytocin receptor in the brain and their interactions with behavioral and environmental factors via epigenetic processes. We also use animal models of autism to explore the effects of oxytocin and other related molecules on the autism-related phenotype of these animals.                                                                                                                                                                                l

We are pursuing 

Excellent M.Sc. and Ph.D. students with strong biological background

Skills needed:  high motivation and endless curiosity

Advantage: electrophysiological experience, knowledge in computer programming

For more details:

Shlomo Wagner, PhD

Senior Lecturer and Head of the Laboratory

Department of Neurobiology 
Faculty of Natural Sciences 
Rm. 75, Multi-purpose building 
University of Haifa 
Mount Carmel 
Haifa, 31905 
 Phone: 972-4-8288773

shlomow@research.haifa.ac.il 

Lab website: http://sciences.haifa.ac.il/new/faculty/neuroethocms/index.php