# Genetic Mapping of Functional Vomeronasal Circuits

> **NIH NIH R01** · STOWERS INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH · 2020 · $350,625

## Abstract

7. Project Summary/Abstract.
 The proper function of the sensory and endocrine systems is essential for the health and well being of
human beings. A set of fundamentally important innate behaviors, including mating and aggression, are
controlled by sensory responses. Animals have evolved specialized neural circuitry that links sensory input to
endocrine systems. Dysfunction in these circuits may lead to depression, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction
and aberrant behaviors. The neural circuits that differentially regulate endocrine responses are not well defined
and the complexity of sensory experiences makes it difficult to study the circuits in humans. In vertebrates,
innate behaviors such as mating rituals and territorial aggression are elicited by pheromone cues. Many
terrestrial mammalian species have evolved highly sophisticated vomeronasal systems that detect
pheromones, elicit endocrine responses and control behavioral states. The vomeronasal circuit connects
directly to the endocrine systems and influences their output. These circuits are largely genetically determined
and there is an intrinsic link between sensory input and the behavior responses. Similar circuits exist in
humans but may have been compacted during primate evolution to consist of mostly the main olfactory, and to
include other sensory modalities. The mouse vomeronasal circuitry, therefore, serves as an ideal model
system to elucidate the neural mechanism of sensory information processing, mechanism of neuroendocrine
control and sensory control of innate behaviors.
 The objective of this application is to identify the neural circuitry that detect and process female pheromone
information and delineate its function in eliciting male sexual behaviors. In the past, we have identified two sets
of vomeronasal receptors that recognize pheromones cues that convey the sexual identity and the estrous
status of female mice. We also purified these cues, which act synergistically to trigger mounting behavior in the
males. In this study, we will identify the brain regions that process information conveyed by these cues and
map their connections. We will genetically knock out the identified receptors to reveal their functional
contribution to male mounting behavior. Moreover, we will functionally interrogate different brain regions
activated by the pheromone cues to understand the contribution of distinct circuit components to male sexual
behavior. These studies are expected to reveal highly specific neural circuits that control mating behaviors in
the male animals. Insight gained from this study will help to elucidate control mechanism of endocrine systems
and motivational states.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9993504
- **Project number:** 5R01DC008003-15
- **Recipient organization:** STOWERS INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
- **Principal Investigator:** Congrong Ron Yu
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $350,625
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2006-01-10 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9993504

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9993504, Genetic Mapping of Functional Vomeronasal Circuits (5R01DC008003-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9993504. Licensed CC0.

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