Genetic and Neuroendocrine Regulation of the Postpartum Brain

Overview

Journal Front Neuroendocrinol

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2016 May 18

PMID 27184829

Citations 17

Authors

Stephen C Gammie

Terri M Driessen

Changjiu Zhao

Michael C Saul

Brian E Eisinger

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Changes in expression of hundreds of genes occur during the production and function of the maternal brain that support a wide range of processes. In this review, we synthesize findings from four microarray studies of different maternal brain regions and identify a core group of 700 maternal genes that show significant expression changes across multiple regions. With those maternal genes, we provide new insights into reward-related pathways (maternal bonding), postpartum depression, social behaviors, mental health disorders, and nervous system plasticity/developmental events. We also integrate the new genes into well-studied maternal signaling pathways, including those for prolactin, oxytocin/vasopressin, endogenous opioids, and steroid receptors (estradiol, progesterone, cortisol). A newer transcriptional regulation model for the maternal brain is provided that incorporates recent work on maternal microRNAs. We also compare the top 700 genes with other maternal gene expression studies. Together, we highlight new genes and new directions for studies on the postpartum brain.

Citing Articles

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