Neuroplasticity of reproductive behaviors

Sex steroid hormones exert organizational and activational effects on neural structures involved in the expression of reproductive behaviors (mating, partner choice, aggressive behavior). This results in sexually dimorphic neuroanatomy and behaviors. 

If the involvement of androgen and estrogen receptors alpha and beta in such effects has been reported, the exact role of each of these receptors and downstream targets still need to be determined.

  • In this context, the first goal of our project aims to study signaling pathways involving androgen and estrogen receptors alpha and beta in male and female mice by combining genetic, proteomic, behavioral and neuroanatomical approaches.
  • The second goal of our work aims to determine the effects and mechanisms of emerging endocrine disrupters that could interfere with in vivo actions of testosterone and estradiol.