Alone, in the dark: The extraordinary neuroethology of the solitary blind mole rat

Abstract

On the social scale, the blind mole rat (BMR; Spalax ehrenbergi) is an extreme. It is exceedingly solitary, territorial, and aggressive. BMRs reside underground, in self-excavated tunnels that they rarely leave. They possess specialized sensory systems for social communication and navigation, which allow them to cope with the harsh environmental conditions underground. This review aims to present the blind mole rat as an ideal, novel neuroethological model for studying aggressive and solitary behaviors. We discuss the BMR’s unique behavioral phenotype, particularly in the context of ‘anti-social’ behaviors, and review the available literature regarding its specialized sensory adaptations to the social and physical habitat. To date, the neurobiology of the blind mole rat remains mostly unknown and holds a promising avenue for scientific discovery. Unraveling the neural basis of the BMR’s behavior, in comparison to that of social rodents, can shed important light on the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric disorders in humans, in which similar behaviors are displayed.

A zinc finger transcription factor enables social behaviors while controlling transposable elements and immune response in prefrontal cortex

“…Given that ZFP189 is a member of a similar zinc finger TF gene family, it is possible that other structurally similar TFs, such as other KZFP TFs, regulate social behaviors via similar mechanisms of TE-regulated immune response. In support of this notion, the blind mole rat and the naked mole rat, two related organisms that differ widely in degree of TE regulation and immune responses [29][30][31] also represent extremes of social behaviors, ranging from highly solitary, in the case of the blind mole rat [32], to one of the few eusocial mammals with extremely complex and cooperative social structures, in the case of the naked mole rat [33]. Also, higher social status amongst macaques drives a proinflammatory response [34] via chromatin reorganization to expose TF DNA motifs [35].…”

A zinc finger transcription factor tunes social behaviors by controlling transposable elements and immune response in prefrontal cortex

“…Given that ZFP189 is a member of a similar zinc finger TF gene family, it is possible that other structurally similar TFs, such as other KZFP TFs, regulate social behaviors via similar mechanisms of TEregulated immune response. In support of this notion, the blind mole rat and the naked mole rat, two related organisms that differ widely in degree of TE regulation and immune responses (35)(36)(37) also represent extremes of social behaviors, ranging from highly solitary, in the case of the blind mole rat (38), to one of the few eusocial mammals with extremely complex and cooperative social structures, in the case of the naked mole rat (39). Also, higher social status amongst macaques drives a proinflammatory response (40) via chromatin reorganization to expose TF DNA motifs (41).…”

Comparative ultrastructure of the olfactory system in the East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens) and the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)

“…In conclusion, our results show that both the RR and NMR have well‐developed olfactory structures. This is plausible given that sensory modalities of fossorial rodents such as sight and hearing are underdeveloped (Crish et al., 2006; Kashash et al., 2022). A robust olfactory system is integral to their survival since it mediates fundamental processes such as food acquisition, breeding, intraspecific communication and avoidance of fatal encounters with conspecifics (Kashash et al., 2022).…”

“…This is plausible given that sensory modalities of fossorial rodents such as sight and hearing are underdeveloped (Crish et al., 2006; Kashash et al., 2022). A robust olfactory system is integral to their survival since it mediates fundamental processes such as food acquisition, breeding, intraspecific communication and avoidance of fatal encounters with conspecifics (Kashash et al., 2022). The differences observed on the olfactory mucosa surface of the RR and NMR may be a resultant of evolutionary pressures arising from these species habitat and way of life.…”