Title: An evolutionarily novel adrenal cell type promotes parental care in monogamous mice
Abstract:
Cell types with specialized functions fundamentally regulate animal behavior; and yet, the genetic mechanisms underlying the emergence of novel cell types and their consequences for behavior are not well understood. I will present our results showing that the monogamous oldfield mouse has recently evolved a novel cell type in the adrenal gland. I will then show how this cell is specialized in producing an overlooked steroid hormone and how this hormone promotes parental behaviors typical of monogamous animals. Finally, I will present our results showing the genetic basis of the evolution of this novel cell type.