RG Neurobiology of Maternal Care

Early childhood attachment has a significant impact on mental health in adulthood. Maternal care plays a major role in the formation and maintenance of secure attachment relationships, but their basic neural mechanisms are insufficiently understood. Motherhood is characterized by innate, largely genetically determined processes. At the same time, expectant mothers experience immense physical and mental adaptation processes that are expressed in both physiology and behavior. A large part of these adaptation processes is realized by neuronal-plastic remodeling processes, which are on one hand genetically controlled and on the other hand influenced by external stimuli (especially by mother-infant interactions).

Our research group aims to understand both aspects of maternal care using an interdisciplinary approach. We focus on the neuropeptide oxytocin, which regulates both hardwired and plastic processes and is therefore essential for successful mother-infant coordination. Specifically, we aim to understand the molecular, cellular and physiological role of oxytocin in cortical networks, plasticity and behavior during motherhood. We hope that this will provide a basis for preclinical and clinical studies and thus pave the way for research into novel therapeutic options for disturbed mother-child interactions, which can lead to early life trauma and subsequently – to social deficits in adulthood.