Dataset Information

Fast Retrograde Access to Projection Neuron Circuits Underlying Vocal Learning in Songbirds.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the structure and function of neural circuits underlying speech and language is a vital step toward better treatments for diseases of these systems. Songbirds, among the few animal orders that share with humans the ability to learn vocalizations from a conspecific, have provided many insights into the neural mechanisms of vocal development. However, research into vocal learning circuits has been hindered by a lack of tools for rapid genetic targeting of specific neuron populations to meet the quick pace of developmental learning. Here, we present a viral tool that enables fast and efficient retrograde access to projection neuron populations. In zebra finches, Bengalese finches, canaries, and mice, we demonstrate fast retrograde labeling of cortical or dopaminergic neurons. We further demonstrate the suitability of our construct for detailed morphological analysis, for in vivo imaging of calcium activity, and for multi-color brainbow labeling.

SUBMITTER: During DN

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8236207 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Fast Retrograde Access to Projection Neuron Circuits Underlying Vocal Learning in Songbirds.

Düring Daniel N DN Dittrich Falk F Rocha Mariana D MD Tachibana Ryosuke O RO Mori Chihiro C Okanoya Kazuo K Boehringer Roman R Ehret Benjamin B Grewe Benjamin F BF Gerber Stefan S Ma Shouwen S Rauch Melanie M Paterna Jean-Charles JC Kasper Robert R Gahr Manfred M Hahnloser Richard H R RHR

Cell reports 20201101 6

Understanding the structure and function of neural circuits underlying speech and language is a vital step toward better treatments for diseases of these systems. Songbirds, among the few animal orders that share with humans the ability to learn vocalizations from a conspecific, have provided many insights into the neural mechanisms of vocal development. However, research into vocal learning circuits has been hindered by a lack of tools for rapid genetic targeting of specific neuron populations ...[more]

PMID: 33176132

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Project description:The development of highly complex vocal skill, like human language and bird songs, is underlain by learning. Vocal learning, even when occurring in adulthood, is thought to largely depend on a sensitive/critical period during postnatal development, and learned vocal patterns emerge gradually as the long-term consequence of vocal practice during this critical period. In this scenario, it is presumed that the effect of vocal practice is thus mainly limited by the intrinsic timing of age-dependent maturation factors that close the critical period and reduce neural plasticity. However, an alternative, as-yet untested hypothesis is that vocal practice itself, independently of age, regulates vocal learning plasticity. Here, we explicitly discriminate between the influences of age and vocal practice using a songbird model system. We prevented zebra finches from singing during the critical period of sensorimotor learning by reversible postural manipulation. This enabled to us to separate lifelong vocal experience from the effects of age. The singing-prevented birds produced juvenile-like immature song and retained sufficient ability to acquire a tutored song even at adulthood when allowed to sing freely. Genome-wide gene expression network analysis revealed that this adult vocal plasticity was accompanied by an intense induction of singing activity-dependent genes, similar to that observed in juvenile birds, rather than of age-dependent genes. The transcriptional changes of activity-dependent genes occurred in the vocal motor robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) projection neurons that play a critical role in the production of song phonology. These gene expression changes were accompanied by neuroanatomical changes: dendritic spine pruning in RA projection neurons. These results show that self-motivated practice itself changes the expression dynamics of activity-dependent genes associated with vocal learning plasticity and that this process is not tightly linked to age-dependent maturational factors.

Dataset Information

Fast Retrograde Access to Projection Neuron Circuits Underlying Vocal Learning in Songbirds.

Publications

Fast Retrograde Access to Projection Neuron Circuits Underlying Vocal Learning in Songbirds.

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