Topic： Cortical control of innate behaviors

Speaker：Dr. Xiaohong Xu，Institute of Neuroscience，Chinese Academy of Sciences

Time：14:00-15:00, July 27,2021

Venue：3rd Floor Lobby, Lui Che Woo Building, Peking University

Host：Prof. Xiang Yu

Abstract

While innate, the display of many behaviors is influenced by cortical activities. Using Vglut1 as a molecular marker for cortical structures, we and others have identified populations of excitatory neurons in the primary motor cortex (M1), the posterior amygdala (PA), and the ventral subiculum (vSub) that project to distinct divisions of hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei to regulate urination, aggression, and innate anxiety responses. Together, these findings elucidate how cortical and subcortical structures may interact to control the display of diverse natural behaviors.