Joshua Neunuebel, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychological & Brain Sciences
University of Delaware

Decoding Mouse Ultrasonic Communication During Social Behavior

Communication plays an integral role in human social dynamics, and a myriad of neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by abnormal social communication. Because of their genetic tractability, mice are emerging as an important model system for studying the neurobiology of social behavior. However, the extent that mouse vocalizations influence social dynamics has remained elusive due to the challenges of precisely identifying the vocalizing animal in group interactions. Using a system to track the ultrasonic vocal behavior of individual, freely interacting mice and an algorithm developed to group phonically similar signals, we show that distinct patterns of vocalization emerge as animals perform specific social actions. Mice acting dominantly towards other mice emit different vocal signals than mice avoiding social interactions. Further, we directly show that the patterns of vocal expression impact the behavior of only the socially engaged partner. These findings clarify the function of mouse communication by revealing a communicative ultrasonic signaling repertoire and set the stage for unmasking the neural basis of social communication.

Faculty Host: Jim Knierim