Role of the Thalamic Reticular Nucleus in Social Memory

Social behaviors are crucial for gregarious animals, including humans. In order to exhibit appropriate behaviors in a complex social context, such as mating, aggression, avoidance, and cooperation, individuals need to remember their previous experiences with other members and accurately recognize them when they meet again. This ability is called “social memory” [1]. Many psychiatric disorders in humans, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia, are characterized by social memory impairments. Patients with these disorders, along with corresponding animal models, often show defects associated with the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). The TRN, a thin layer of neurons surrounding the thalamus, mainly regulates and coordinates the transfer of information between the cortex and the thalamus, playing a role in higher brain functions such as consciousness, attention, and sensory processing. However, whether the TRN is involved in social memory remains unknown. …