Center for Neuroscience, Mind & Behavior
J.P. SCOTT DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES
 

The Center for Neuroscience, Mind & Behavior presents the:
7th Annual J.P. Scott Lecture

Thursday, 8 September, 2005, 2:30-3:30
112 Life Sciences Bldg at BGSU

Prof. Larry Young

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine

The Neurobiology and Evolution of Social Bonding

My research is primarily focused on understanding the molecular, cellular and neurobiological basis of social behavior.  Much of my research focuses on the role of the neuropeptides, oxytocin, vasopressin corticotrophin releasing factor, and their receptors in regulating social behavior.   Studies in transgenic and knockout mice investigate the neural mechanisms of social recognition and maternal behavior.  Comparative studies in voles are designed to understand the mechanisms of social bond formation.  These studies provide basic information about the organization of the social brain, which has important implications for psychopathologies such as autism.

Suggested Reading for Background

Bielsky, Hu, Ren, Terwilliger and Young. 2005. The V1a Vasopressin Receptor Is Necessary and Sufficient for Normal Social Recognition: A Gene Replacement Study. Neuron 47: 503–513