About this Research Topic

Background

The fields of neuroscience, endocrinology, physiology, among many others were established by the pioneering work of ethologists, who took very integrative approaches to addressing the mechanisms of natural behavior. During these early years, understanding the role of hormones in mediating plasticity of morphology was central to uncovering the proximate mechanisms underlying behavior. As the fields of neuroscience, endocrinology, and physiology advanced, the use of traditional model systems, specifically mouse, became almost exclusive to the use of model systems with natural, biologically-relevant behavior. Granted, the advancement of traditional model systems was largely propelled by the availability of tools for manipulative studies. However, the reduction in cost of de novo sequencing of genomes, the broad use of CRISPR techniques for gene manipulation across species, and the recent high recognition of basic biological systems (e.g., Nobel Prizes in circadian rhythms, GFP in jellyfish) will reinvigorate the use of non-traditional model systems. Moving forward, model systems chosen for their unique endocrinology, physiology, ecology, and behavior will no doubt propel the advanced understanding of important questions and contribute to novel discoveries.

Here, we are proposing to revisit and provide updates on integrative research systems that are core to modern neuroscience, physiology, and behavior. By exploring systems in which seasonal fluctuations of hormones drive plasticity in morphology and natural behavior, we aim to not only provide a collection of fascinating topics for a broad audience, but to also provide a road map for current and future researchers using non-traditional model systems for bringing their system and research questions to the forefront of their fields of study. To accomplish this goal, we aim to include one introductory manuscript providing an overview to modern neuroethology and how the integrative approaches utilized by neuroethologists when exploring the impact of hormones on behavior can be applied across the fields of neuroscience, endocrinology, and others. For articles in the main collection, we would ask authors to follow a semi-prescribed set of sections in their manuscripts including: ecology and behavior; hormonal systems and signaling; hormonal control of development and morphological plasticity; cellular tools, and mechanisms; molecular tools and mechanisms; comparative and evolutionary approaches. We would strongly encourage all authors to include at least these sections but allow for the possibility to expand or add sections if desired. By having a standard format, we envision readers and authors alike will have a greater ability to identify the areas of strength for a given system and to identify potential researchers or approaches of other model systems for bolstering areas with less attention or current capability.

The topics we aim to cover in our Research Topic will focus on systems in which seasonal fluctuations of hormones alter natural behavior. Such systems include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Anole dewlap morphology and seasonal plasticity in pigmentation via gonadal hormones,
2. Avian neural plasticity and behavior (song circuit/singing or hippocampus/food caching) via adrenal and gonadal hormones,
3. Avian sexual displays (e.g., bower birds, manakins, India bird) via gonadal hormones,
4. Butterfly and moth (Lepidoptera) flight energetics via adipokinetic hormone,
5. Hibernation of bats or hamsters via adrenal and gonadal hormones
6. Maternal nest building (avian, rabbit, etc.) via gonadal hormones,
7. Seasonal bone morphogenesis (deer antler) via gonadal hormones,
8. Seasonal coat coloration in mammals (e.g., fox, hare, mouse) via adrenal and gonadal hormones
9. Teleost (fish) aggression, territoriality, and paternal care via gonadal hormones
10. Terminal differentiation/sex reversal (pigmentation and behavior; Blue-headed wrasse or cichlid) via gonadal hormones
11. Vole seasonal neurogenesis and olfactory preference via adrenal and gonadal hormones

Keywords: plasticity, model organisms, neuroscience, seasonal, hormones

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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