Paternal Influence on Female Behavior: The Role of Peg3 in Exploration, Olfaction, and Neuroendocrine Regulation of Maternal Behavior of Female Mice

Genomic imprinting represents a mechanism through which parent-of-origin effects on offspring development may be mediated. However, investigation of the influence of imprinted genes on behavior has been limited. Here the authors investigate the role of the maternally imprinted/paternally expressed gene, Peg3, in several aspects of behavior using both 129Sv- and B6-Peg3 mutant female mice. Virgin Peg3 females on both genetic backgrounds were less exploratory and had higher rates of defecation with strain-dependent effects on activity levels and olfactory discrimination. Reproductive success, pup retrieval, and postnatal maternal care of pups were reduced in these females whereas indices of maternal aggression were higher among B6 Peg3-KO females. Differences in maternal care were apparent in females caring for biological or cross-fostered offspring and deficits in pup retrieval apparent beyond the immediate postpartum period. Oxytocin receptor binding in the MPOA and LS was reduced in Peg3-KO females. Thus, the authors demonstrate that disruptions to Peg3 influences aspects of female behavior that are critical for mediating maternal effects on offspring development, such as postpartum licking/grooming, and that effects of Peg3 are dependent on the maternal genetic background.