Mapping the Neural Pathways of Sociability
Impairments in social behavior are a hallmark of many psychiatric disorders, yet the neural mechanisms that regulate sociability remain incompletely understood. What if activating a specific receptor in the brain could enhance social interaction by quieting fear-related circuits?
This research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the 2025 SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), a reimagining of Research Week that highlighted graduate research across disciplines. Developed within the Master of Science in Biology program at Rutgers University–Camden, the project was completed by Akhila Kasturi. The abstract below introduces her investigation into how sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 influences neural circuits associated with social behavior.
Abstract: Activation of S1PR3 in the infralimbic cortex promotes sociability by inhibiting the basolateral amygdala”
Sociability is a vital aspect of both mental and physical well-being, and impairments in social behavior are a hallmark of numerous psychiatric disorders. Identifying novel mechanisms that regulate sociability is crucial for developing safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Recent research highlights the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) activation in enhancing sociability in mice. However, the underlying brain regions activated by S1PR3 that underlie this pro-social effect are not well understood.
We propose that S1PR3 activates the infralimbic cortex (IL), a brain region that inhibits the basolateral amygdala (BLA), which regulates fear and social avoidance. The IL inhibits the BLA by activating inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons adjacent to the BLA.
By quantifying the neuronal activity marker cFos, we found that the S1PR3 agonist CYM5541 increases neuronal activity in the IL following a 2-hour social interaction. Interestingly, S1PR3 also increased levels of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), the rate-limiting enzyme for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, in the BLA.
Future work will determine whether GABAergic intercalated nuclei are active in these mice. We hypothesize that by modulating these neural pathways, S1PR3 activation promotes social interactions. Our findings provide the groundwork for understanding the mechanisms by which S1PR3 promotes sociability, which might reflect reduced social anxiety-like behavior.
Graduate Poster Exhibition at SPARK!
The Graduate Poster Exhibition celebrates the research and creative work of the graduate community, showcasing everything from prose and code to original research and artistic expression. As part of SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), a reimagining of Research Week, the exhibition highlights the depth, range, and impact of graduate scholarship and invites the campus community to engage with ideas taking shape across disciplines.
Join a Legacy of Excellence in Biological Research
The Master of Science in Biology program at Rutgers University–Camden offers an immersive experience in diverse biological fields, including cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, physiology, and ecology. With a 50-year legacy, the program emphasizes research, analytical, and communication skills, preparing graduates for Ph.D. programs or careers in academic research and teaching. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities in the Science and Joint Health Science buildings and engage with internationally recognized faculty whose research spans RNA evolution, mitochondrial energetics, bacterial shape dynamics, and more.
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