Genomics analysis of potassium channel genes in songbirds reveals molecular specializations of brain circuits for the maintenance and production of learned vocalizations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A fundamental question in molecular neurobiology is how genes that determine basic neuronal properties shape the functional organization of brain circuits underlying complex learned behaviors. Given the growing availability of complete vertebrate genomes, comparative genomics represents a promising approach to address this question. Here we used genomics and molecular approaches to study how ion channel genes influence the properties of the brain circuitry that regulates birdsong, a learned vocal behavior with important similarities to human speech acquisition. We focused on potassium (K-)Channels, which are major determinants of neuronal cell excitability.

Results

We identified 107 K-Channel finch genes, including 6 novel genes common to non-mammalian vertebrate

SUBMITTER: Lovell PV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3711925 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature