A genetic switch turns off parental behaviour and drives infanticide in male striped mice

Male parenting in mammals is highly variable, ranging from caring to neglectful and abusive. The brain and behaviour of the African striped mouse reveal that, in males, the social environment and expression level of the Agouti gene affect whether the animals will be hostile or caring towards pups. In striped mice, the social environment affects expression of the Agouti gene, which in turn can drive pup-directed hostility.