Parental Rearing Shapes Brain Functional Networks and Socio-Sexual Behaviours in the Prairie Vole

Animal models with natural variation in family structure, like the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), offer valuable insight into how parental care shapes offspring behaviour. While prior studies have linked early care to long-term behavioural outcomes, the underlying brain network adaptations remain unclear. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined how monoparental (single-parent) versus biparental rearing influences brain connectivity and socio-sexual behaviour. Offspring raised by a single parent received less licking and grooming, and monoparentally reared males failed to form pair bonds after 48 h of cohabitation. Functional connectivity analysis revealed distinct networks shaped by early parental care. One network was linked specifically to monoparental upbringing, while another correlated with the amount of care received. During cohabitation, additional networks associated with prosocial behaviour and pair bonding were also modulated by early-life care. These results demonstrate that parental rearing has long-term effects on brain functional organization and social behaviour in adulthood.