Neural Circuits for Social Competence

Social interactions are essential for the survival of social animals. Across species the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been identified as a hub of social cognition. In mouse models we can dissect the neural circuits and dynamics underlying the role of mPFC in specific social behaviors. Combining novel behavioral assays, optogenetics, machine learning and wireless electrophysiology in mice, we demonstrate a role for the mPFC-hypothalamic pathway in driving social competition. We also discuss recent unpublished work regarding prefrontal and subcortical network interactions that change with competitive success. Finally, we explore the potential relationships between social memory and social rank encoding in the mPFC.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how social rank is measured in mouse models.

2. Demonstrate knowledge about the role of the prefrontal cortex in social competition.

3. Demonstrate knowledge about prefrontal subcortical interactions during social competition.