How do reproductive-associated neuropeptides in the brain change within and between individuals over a breeding season?

I am absolutely fascinated by the neuroplasticity of the brain. For example, a male songbird has certain reproductive behavior-associated nuclei that greatly increase in size at the beginning of the reproductive season and then decrease at the end of the reproductive season. From an evolutionary perspective, many variations of this plasticity have been and perhaps still are being naturally and sexually selected upon. I wonder, what environmental cues might influence this variation and/or how do inter- and intravariation manifest themselves behaviorally?

I am using a model species, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), to see how particular neuropeptides increase or decrease in number and size before, during and after reproduction. Our lab has been focusing on a recently-discovered neuropeptide, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which may play a role in the disruption of reproduction. I am especially interested in how GnIH relates to other reproductive-associated factors in the brain. I intend to examine correlations and use experimental manipulations to better asses how neuropeptide size and quantity are related to age, sex, environment, immunity and social status as well as behavior. This information can lead to a greater understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology and how its variations influence selection and ultimately evolution.

Rebecca M. Calisi, M.S. *Ph.D. Student* Department of Integrative Biology University of California, Berkeley
Contact: calisi@berkeley.edu
C.V.
Research Interests:
How do reproductive-associated neuropeptides in the brain change within and between individuals over a breeding season? I am absolutely fascinated by the neuroplasticity of the brain. For example, a male songbird has certain reproductive behavior-associated nuclei that greatly increase in size at the beginning of the reproductive season and then decrease at the end of the reproductive season. From an evolutionary perspective, many variations of this plasticity have been and perhaps still are being naturally and sexually selected upon. I wonder, what environmental cues might influence this variation and/or how do inter- and intravariation manifest themselves behaviorally? I am using a model species, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), to see how particular neuropeptides increase or decrease in number and size before, during and after reproduction. Our lab has been focusing on a recently-discovered neuropeptide, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which may play a role in the disruption of reproduction. I am especially interested in how GnIH relates to other reproductive-associated factors in the brain. I intend to examine correlations and use experimental manipulations to better asses how neuropeptide size and quantity are related to age, sex, environment, immunity and social status as well as behavior. This information can lead to a greater understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology and how its variations influence selection and ultimately evolution.