New Insights into Mouse Neurons That Distinguish Social Friends and Enemies

Researchers at Kobe University have uncovered a specific group of neurons in mice that play a crucial role in social recognition and empathetic behavior. These neurons act as a neural switch, modulating mice's preferences toward their peers, and provide new understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social interactions.

The team utilized advanced imaging techniques, including real-time recordings with implanted endoscopic cameras, coupled with genetic modifications to observe neural activity during social behaviors. Their findings, published in the journal Cell Reports, revealed that inhibition of a particular type of interneurons, called PV interneurons, significantly altered social preferences in mice.

Specifically, mice with suppressed PV interneurons failed to recognize familiar peers, spending equal amounts of time with both known and unfamiliar mice, whereas typical mice preferred spending time with strangers over familiar individuals. Moreover, these inhibited mice did not show a natural tendency to comfort or spend more time with stressed peers, indicating a loss of empathetic responses.

These results suggest that PV interneurons are key regulators of social decision-making and emotional recognition in mice. Since abnormalities in similar neurons have been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, this discovery could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.

Takumi Toru, lead researcher from Kobe University, emphasizes that understanding these neural circuits in mice provides valuable insights into human social behavior. Future comparative studies between mice and humans may lead to better treatment options for social cognition impairments seen in various mental health conditions.

This research broadens our understanding of the neurological basis of complex social behaviors and highlights the importance of specific neurons in regulating empathy and social decision-making.