What question did this study set out to answer?

This research investigates how the Agouti gene and social environment influence male parental behavior and infanticide in striped mice.

March 7, 2026Open Access

A genetic switch turns off parental behaviour and drives infanticide in male striped mice

Key Points

This research investigates how the Agouti gene and social environment influence male parental behavior and infanticide in striped mice.
Observed the behavior of male striped mice in different social environments.
Examined expression levels of the Agouti gene among the subjects.
Assessed the correlation between gene expression and parental care or hostility towards pups.
Males exposed to hostile social environments showed increased aggression and infanticide towards their offspring.
High expression levels of the Agouti gene were associated with lower parental care.
Males in nurturing environments displayed greater care behaviors towards the pups.

Abstract

Male parenting in mammals is highly variable, ranging from caring to neglectful and abusive. The brain and behaviour of the African striped mouse reveal that, in males, the social environment and expression level of the Agouti gene affect whether the animals will be hostile or caring towards pups. In striped mice, the social environment affects expression of the Agouti gene, which in turn can drive pup-directed hostility.

Read Full Paperexternally

AIに質問

Bookmark

View Full Paper

Cite This Study

A Wed, study studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69abc0b85af8044f7a4e9621 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00656-z

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

AIに質問

Bookmark

View Full Paper