¹The Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA

Correspondence: Dr J Mong, Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, Box 275, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. E-mail: pfaff@mail.rockefeller.edu

Received 25 August 2003; Revised 20 January 2004; Accepted 22 January 2004.

Abstract

Genes induced by estrogens in the mammalian forebrain influence a variety of neural functions. Among them, reproductive behavior mechanisms are very well understood. Their functional genomics provide a theoretical paradigm for linking genes to neural circuits to behavior. We propose that estrogen-induced genes are organized in modules: Growth of hypothalamic neurons; Amplification of the estrogen effect by progesterone; Preparative behaviors; Permissive actions on sex behavior circuitry; and Synchronization of mating behavior with ovulation. These modules may represent mechanistic routes for CNS management of successful reproduction. Moreover, new microarray results add estrogen-dependent genes, including some expressed in glia, suggesting possible hormone-dependent neuronal/glial coordination.