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Schruth DM, Templeton CN, Holman DJ, Smith EA. The origins of musicality in the motion of primates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 184:e24891. [PMID: 38180286 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Animals communicate acoustically to report location, identity, and emotive state to conspecifics. Acoustic signals can also function as displays to potential mates and as territorial advertisement. Music and song are terms often reserved only for humans and birds, but elements of both forms of acoustic display are also found in non-human primates. While culture, bonding, and side-effects all factor into the emergence of musicality, biophysical insights into what might be signaled by specific acoustic features are less well understood. OBJECTIVES Here we probe the origins of musicality by evaluating the links between musical features (structural complexity, rhythm, interval, and tone) and a variety of potential ecological drivers of its evolution across primate species. Alongside other hypothesized causes (e.g. territoriality, sexual selection), we evaluated the hypothesis that perilous arboreal locomotion might favor musical calling in primates as a signal of capacities underlying spatio-temporal precision in motor tasks. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used musical features found in spectrographs of vocalizations of 58 primate species and corresponding measures of locomotion, diet, ranging, and mating. Leveraging phylogenetic information helped us impute missing data and control for relatedness of species while selecting among candidate multivariate regression models. RESULTS Results indicated that rapid inter-substrate arboreal locomotion is highly correlated with several metrics of music-like signaling. Diet, alongside mate-choice and range size, emerged as factors that also correlated with complex calling patterns. DISCUSSION These results support the hypothesis that musical calling may function as a signal, to neighbors or potential mates, of accuracy in landing on relatively narrow targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Schruth
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Darryl J Holman
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eric A Smith
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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2
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Radic R, Lukacova K, Baciak L, Hodova V, Kubikova L. The role of cerebellum in learned vocal communication in adult songbirds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8168. [PMID: 38589482 PMCID: PMC11001874 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58569-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Injury, tumors, ischemia, and lesions in the cerebellum show the involvement of this region in human speech. The association of the cerebellum with learned birdsong has only been identified recently. Cerebellar dysfunction in young songbirds causes learning disabilities, but its role in adult songbirds has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) in adult birdsong. We created bilateral excitotoxic lesions in the DCN of adult male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and recorded their songs for up to 4 months. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunohistochemistry, we validated the lesion efficacy. We found that the song duration significantly increased from 14 weeks post-op; the increase in duration was caused by a greater number of introductory notes as well as a greater number of syllables sung after the introductory notes. On the other hand, the motif duration decreased from 8 weeks after DCN lesions were induced, which was due to faster singing of syllables, not changes in inter-syllable interval length. DCN lesions also caused a decrease in the fundamental frequency of syllables. In summary, we showed that DCN lesions influence the temporal and acoustic features of birdsong. These results suggest that the cerebellum influences singing in adult songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Radic
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Lukacova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Baciak
- Central Laboratories, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimira Hodova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubica Kubikova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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3
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Kersten Y, Moll FW, Erdle S, Nieder A. Input and Output Connections of the Crow Nidopallium Caudolaterale. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0098-24.2024. [PMID: 38684368 PMCID: PMC11064124 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0098-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The avian telencephalic structure nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) functions as an analog to the mammalian prefrontal cortex. In crows, corvid songbirds, it plays a crucial role in higher cognitive and executive functions. These functions rely on the NCL's extensive telencephalic connections. However, systematic investigations into the brain-wide connectivity of the NCL in crows or other songbirds are lacking. Here, we studied its input and output connections by injecting retrograde and anterograde tracers into the carrion crow NCL. Our results, mapped onto a published carrion crow brain atlas, confirm NCL multisensory connections and extend prior pigeon findings by identifying a novel input from the hippocampal formation. Furthermore, we analyze crow NCL efferent projections to the arcopallium and report newly identified arcopallial neurons projecting bilaterally to the NCL. These findings help to clarify the role of the NCL as central executive hub in the corvid songbird brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Kersten
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Felix W Moll
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Saskia Erdle
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Andreas Nieder
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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4
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Gutiérrez-Ibáñez C, Wylie DR, Altshuler DL. From the eye to the wing: neural circuits for transforming optic flow into motor output in avian flight. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2023; 209:839-854. [PMID: 37542566 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01663-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Avian flight is guided by optic flow-the movement across the retina of images of surfaces and edges in the environment due to self-motion. In all vertebrates, there is a short pathway for optic flow information to reach pre-motor areas: retinal-recipient regions in the midbrain encode optic flow, which is then sent to the cerebellum. One well-known role for optic flow pathways to the cerebellum is the control of stabilizing eye movements (the optokinetic response). However, the role of this pathway in controlling locomotion is less well understood. Electrophysiological and tract tracing studies are revealing the functional connectivity of a more elaborate circuit through the avian cerebellum, which integrates optic flow with other sensory signals. Here we review the research supporting this framework and identify the cerebellar output centres, the lateral (CbL) and medial (CbM) cerebellar nuclei, as two key nodes with potentially distinct roles in flight control. The CbM receives bilateral optic flow information and projects to sites in the brainstem that suggest a primary role for flight control over time, such as during forward flight. The CbL receives monocular optic flow and other types of visual information. This site provides feedback to sensory areas throughout the brain and has a strong projection the nucleus ruber, which is known to have a dominant role in forelimb muscle control. This arrangement suggests primary roles for the CbL in the control of wing morphing and for rapid maneuvers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas R Wylie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Douglas L Altshuler
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Zhang Y, Zhou L, Zuo J, Wang S, Meng W. Analogies of human speech and bird song: From vocal learning behavior to its neural basis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1100969. [PMID: 36910811 PMCID: PMC9992734 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1100969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vocal learning is a complex acquired social behavior that has been found only in very few animals. The process of animal vocal learning requires the participation of sensorimotor function. By accepting external auditory input and cooperating with repeated vocal imitation practice, a stable pattern of vocal information output is eventually formed. In parallel evolutionary branches, humans and songbirds share striking similarities in vocal learning behavior. For example, their vocal learning processes involve auditory feedback, complex syntactic structures, and sensitive periods. At the same time, they have evolved the hierarchical structure of special forebrain regions related to vocal motor control and vocal learning, which are organized and closely associated to the auditory cortex. By comparing the location, function, genome, and transcriptome of vocal learning-related brain regions, it was confirmed that songbird singing and human language-related neural control pathways have certain analogy. These common characteristics make songbirds an ideal animal model for studying the neural mechanisms of vocal learning behavior. The neural process of human language learning may be explained through similar neural mechanisms, and it can provide important insights for the treatment of language disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Zhang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lifang Zhou
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiachun Zuo
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Songhua Wang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Meng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
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Yoshida J, Oñate M, Khatami L, Vera J, Nadim F, Khodakhah K. Cerebellar Contributions to the Basal Ganglia Influence Motor Coordination, Reward Processing, and Movement Vigor. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8406-8415. [PMID: 36351826 PMCID: PMC9665921 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1535-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the cerebellum and the basal ganglia are known for their roles in motor control and motivated behavior. These two systems have been classically considered as independent structures that coordinate their contributions to behavior via separate cortico-thalamic loops. However, recent evidence demonstrates the presence of a rich set of direct connections between these two regions. Although there is strong evidence for connections in both directions, for brevity we limit our discussion to the better-characterized connections from the cerebellum to the basal ganglia. We review two sets of such connections: disynaptic projections through the thalamus and direct monosynaptic projections to the midbrain dopaminergic nuclei, the VTA and the SNc. In each case, we review the evidence for these pathways from anatomic tracing and physiological recordings, and discuss their potential functional roles. We present evidence that the disynaptic pathway through the thalamus is involved in motor coordination, and that its dysfunction contributes to motor deficits, such as dystonia. We then discuss how cerebellar projections to the VTA and SNc influence dopamine release in the respective targets of these nuclei: the NAc and the dorsal striatum. We argue that the cerebellar projections to the VTA may play a role in reward-based learning and therefore contribute to addictive behavior, whereas the projection to the SNc may contribute to movement vigor. Finally, we speculate how these projections may explain many of the observations that indicate a role for the cerebellum in mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Yoshida
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Maritza Oñate
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Leila Khatami
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Jorge Vera
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Farzan Nadim
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, 07102
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
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7
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Orije JEMJ, Raymaekers SR, Majumdar G, De Groof G, Jonckers E, Ball GF, Verhoye M, Darras VM, Van der Linden A. Unraveling the Role of Thyroid Hormones in Seasonal Neuroplasticity in European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris). Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:897039. [PMID: 35836548 PMCID: PMC9275473 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.897039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones clearly play a role in the seasonal regulation of reproduction, but any role they might play in song behavior and the associated seasonal neuroplasticity in songbirds remains to be elucidated. To pursue this question, we first established seasonal patterns in the expression of thyroid hormone regulating genes in male European starlings employing in situ hybridization methods. Thyroid hormone transporter LAT1 expression in the song nucleus HVC was elevated during the photosensitive phase, pointing toward an active role of thyroid hormones during this window of possible neuroplasticity. In contrast, DIO3 expression was high in HVC during the photostimulated phase, limiting the possible effect of thyroid hormones to maintain song stability during the breeding season. Next, we studied the effect of hypothyroidism on song behavior and neuroplasticity using in vivo MRI. Both under natural conditions as with methimazole treatment, circulating thyroid hormone levels decreased during the photosensitive period, which coincided with the onset of neuroplasticity. This inverse relationship between thyroid hormones and neuroplasticity was further demonstrated by the negative correlation between plasma T3 and the microstructural changes in several song control nuclei and cerebellum. Furthermore, maintaining hypothyroidism during the photostimulated period inhibited the increase in testosterone, confirming the role of thyroid hormones in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The lack of high testosterone levels influenced the song behavior of hypothyroid starlings, while the lack of high plasma T4 during photostimulation affected the myelination of several tracts. Potentially, a global reduction of circulating thyroid hormones during the photosensitive period is necessary to lift the brake on neuroplasticity imposed by the photorefractory period, whereas local fine-tuning of thyroid hormone concentrations through LAT1 could activate underlying neuroplasticity mechanisms. Whereas, an increase in circulating T4 during the photostimulated period potentially influences the myelination of several white matter tracts, which stabilizes the neuroplastic changes. Given the complexity of thyroid hormone effects, this study is a steppingstone to disentangle the influence of thyroid hormones on seasonal neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmien E. M. J. Orije
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sander R. Raymaekers
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gaurav Majumdar
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert De Groof
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Jonckers
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gregory F. Ball
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Veerle M. Darras
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annemie Van der Linden
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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8
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Lukacova K, Hamaide J, Baciak L, Van der Linden A, Kubikova L. Striatal Injury Induces Overall Brain Alteration at the Pallial, Thalamic, and Cerebellar Levels. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030425. [PMID: 35336799 PMCID: PMC8945699 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Magnetic resonance imaging showed that striatal injury leads to structural changes within several brain areas. Here, we specify these changes via gene expression of synaptic plasticity markers, neuronal markers, assessing the number of newborn cells as well as cell densities. We found that the injury resulted in long-lasting modifications involving plasticity and neural protection mechanisms in areas directly as well as indirectly connected with the damaged striatum, including the cerebellum. Abstract The striatal region Area X plays an important role during song learning, sequencing, and variability in songbirds. A previous study revealed that neurotoxic damage within Area X results in micro and macrostructural changes across the entire brain, including the downstream dorsal thalamus and both the upstream pallial nucleus HVC (proper name) and the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). Here, we specify these changes on cellular and gene expression levels. We found decreased cell density in the thalamic and cerebellar areas and HVC, but it was not related to neuronal loss. On the contrary, perineuronal nets (PNNs) in HVC increased for up to 2 months post-lesion, suggesting their protecting role. The synaptic plasticity marker Forkhead box protein P2 (FoxP2) showed a bi-phasic increase at 8 days and 3 months post-lesion, indicating a massive synaptic rebuilding. The later increase in HVC was associated with the increased number of new neurons. These data suggest that the damage in the striatal vocal nucleus induces cellular and gene expression alterations in both the efferent and afferent destinations. These changes may be long-lasting and involve plasticity and neural protection mechanisms in the areas directly connected to the injury site and also to distant areas, such as the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Lukacova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Julie Hamaide
- Bio-Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.H.); (A.V.d.L.)
| | - Ladislav Baciak
- Central Laboratories, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Annemie Van der Linden
- Bio-Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.H.); (A.V.d.L.)
| | - Lubica Kubikova
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 840 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (L.K.)
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9
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Chung JH, Bottjer SW. Developmentally regulated pathways for motor skill learning in songbirds. J Comp Neurol 2021; 530:1288-1301. [PMID: 34818442 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Vocal learning in songbirds is mediated by cortico-basal ganglia circuits that govern diverse functions during different stages of development. We investigated developmental changes in axonal projections to and from motor cortical regions that underlie learned vocal behavior in juvenile zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Neurons in LMAN-core project to RA, a motor cortical region that drives vocal output; these RA-projecting neurons send a transient collateral projection to AId, a region adjacent to RA, during early vocal development. Both RA and AId project to a region of dorsal thalamus (DLM), which forms a feedback pathway to cortico-basal ganglia circuitry. These projections provide pathways conveying efference copy and a means by which information about vocal motor output could be reintegrated into cortico-basal ganglia circuitry, potentially aiding in the refinement of juvenile vocalizations during learning. We used tract-tracing techniques to label the projections of LMAN-core to AId and of RA to DLM in juvenile songbirds. The volume and density of terminal label in the LMAN-core→AId projection declined substantially during early stages of sensorimotor learning. In contrast, the RA→DLM projection showed no developmental change. The retraction of LMAN-core→AId axon collaterals indicates a loss of efference copy to AId and suggests that projections that are present only during early stages of sensorimotor learning mediate unique, temporally restricted processes of goal-directed learning. Conversely, the persistence of the RA→DLM projection may serve to convey motor information forward to the thalamus to facilitate song production during both learning and maintenance of vocalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hyung Chung
- Section of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah W Bottjer
- Section of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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10
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Xiao L, Roberts TF. What Is the Role of Thalamostriatal Circuits in Learning Vocal Sequences? Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:724858. [PMID: 34630047 PMCID: PMC8493212 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.724858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal ganglia (BG) circuits integrate sensory and motor-related information from the cortex, thalamus, and midbrain to guide learning and production of motor sequences. Birdsong, like speech, is comprised of precisely sequenced vocal elements. Learning song sequences during development relies on Area X, a vocalization related region in the medial striatum of the songbird BG. Area X receives inputs from cortical-like pallial song circuits and midbrain dopaminergic circuits and sends projections to the thalamus. It has recently been shown that thalamic circuits also send substantial projections back to Area X. Here, we outline a gated-reinforcement learning model for how Area X may use signals conveyed by thalamostriatal inputs to direct song learning. Integrating conceptual advances from recent mammalian and songbird literature, we hypothesize that thalamostriatal pathways convey signals linked to song syllable onsets and offsets and influence striatal circuit plasticity via regulation of cholinergic interneurons (ChIs). We suggest that syllable sequence associated vocal-motor information from the thalamus drive precisely timed pauses in ChIs activity in Area X. When integrated with concurrent corticostriatal and dopaminergic input, this circuit helps regulate plasticity on medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and the learning of syllable sequences. We discuss new approaches that can be applied to test core ideas of this model and how associated insights may provide a framework for understanding the function of BG circuits in learning motor sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xiao
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Todd F Roberts
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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11
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Day LB, Helmhout W, Pano G, Olsson U, Hoeksema JD, Lindsay WR. Correlated evolution of acrobatic display and both neural and somatic phenotypic traits in manakins (Pipridae). Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1343-1362. [PMID: 34143205 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brightly colored manakin (Aves: Pipridae) males are known for performing acrobatic displays punctuated by non-vocal sounds (sonations) in order to attract dull colored females. The complexity of the display sequence and assortment of display elements involved (e.g., sonations, acrobatic maneuvers, and cooperative performances) varies considerably across manakin species. Species-specific display elements coevolve with display-distinct specializations of the neuroanatomical, muscular, endocrine, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems in the handful of species studied. Conducting a broader comparative study, we previously found positive associations between display complexity and both brain mass and body mass across 8 manakin genera, indicating selection for neural and somatic expansion to accommodate display elaboration. Whether this gross morphological variation is due to overall brain and body mass expansion (concerted evolution) versus size increases in only functionally relevant brain regions and growth of particular body ("somatic") features (mosaic evolution) remains to be explored. Here we test the hypothesis that cross-species variation in male brain mass and body mass is driven by mosaic evolution. We predicted positive associations between display complexity and variation in the volume of the cerebellum and sensorimotor arcopallium, brain regions which have roles in sensorimotor processes, and learning and performance of precisely timed and sequenced thoughts and movements, respectively. In contrast, we predicted no associations between the volume of a limbic arcopallial nucleus or a visual thalamic nucleus and display complexity as these regions have no-specific functional relationship to display behavior. For somatic features, we predicted that the relationship between body mass and complexity would not include contributions of tarsus length based on a recent study suggesting selection on tarsus length is less labile than body mass. We tested our hypotheses in males from 12 manakin species and a closely related flycatcher. Our analyses support mosaic evolution of neural and somatic features functionally relevant to display and indicate sexual selection for acrobatic complexity may increase the capacity for procedural learning via cerebellar enlargement and maneuverability via a reduction in tarsus length in species with lower overall complexity scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lainy B Day
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, 30 University Avenue, University, MS 38677, USA.,Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi, 30 University Avenue, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Wilson Helmhout
- Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi, 30 University Avenue, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Glendin Pano
- Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi, 30 University Avenue, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Urban Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 18, SE-413-90 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Box 461, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jason D Hoeksema
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, 30 University Avenue, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Willow R Lindsay
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, 30 University Avenue, University, MS 38677, USA.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 18, SE-413-90 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Box 461, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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12
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Kersten Y, Friedrich-Müller B, Nieder A. A histological study of the song system of the carrion crow (Corvus corone). J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2576-2595. [PMID: 33474740 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The song system of songbirds (oscines) is one of the best studied neuroethological model systems. So far, it has been treated as a relatively constrained sensorimotor system. Songbirds such as crows, however, are also known for their capability to cognitively control their audio-vocal system. Yet, the neuroanatomy of the corvid song system has never been explored systematically. We aim to close this scientific gap by presenting a stereotactic investigation of the extended song system of the carrion crow (Corvus corone), an oscine songbird of the corvid family that has become an interesting model system for cognitive neuroscience. In order to identify and delineate the song nuclei, the ascending auditory nuclei, and the descending vocal-motor nuclei, four stains were applied. In addition to the classical Nissl-, myelin-, and a combination of Nissl-and-myelin staining, staining for tyrosine hydroxylase was used to reveal the distribution of catecholaminergic neurons (dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and adrenergic) in the song system. We show that the crow brain contains the important song-related nuclei, including auditory input and motor output structures, and map them throughout the brain. Fiber-stained sections reveal putative connection patterns between the crow's song nuclei comparable to other songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Kersten
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Nieder
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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14
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Mooney R. The neurobiology of innate and learned vocalizations in rodents and songbirds. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 64:24-31. [PMID: 32086177 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Vocalizations are an important medium for sexual and social signaling in mammals and birds. In most mammals other than humans, vocalizations are specified by innate mechanisms and develop normally in the absence of auditory experience. By contrast, juvenile songbirds memorize and copy the songs of adult tutors, a process with many parallels to human speech learning. Despite the centrality of vocal learning to human speech, vocal production in humans as well as in songbirds exploits ancestral circuitry for innate vocalizations, and effective vocal communication depends on the fluent blending of innate and learned elements. This review covers recent advances in our understanding of central mechanisms for learned and innate vocalizations in birds and mice, including brainstem mechanisms that help to 'gate' vocalizations on or off, cortical involvement in learned and innate vocalizations, and the delineation of circuits that evaluate and reinforce song performance to facilitate vocal learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mooney
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, United States.
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15
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Rocha MD, Düring DN, Bethge P, Voigt FF, Hildebrand S, Helmchen F, Pfeifer A, Hahnloser RHR, Gahr M. Tissue Clearing and Light Sheet Microscopy: Imaging the Unsectioned Adult Zebra Finch Brain at Cellular Resolution. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:13. [PMID: 30837847 PMCID: PMC6382697 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The inherent complexity of brain tissue, with brain cells intertwining locally and projecting to distant regions, has made three-dimensional visualization of intact brains a highly desirable but challenging task in neuroscience. The natural opaqueness of tissue has traditionally limited researchers to techniques short of single cell resolution such as computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. By contrast, techniques with single-cell resolution required mechanical slicing into thin sections, which entails tissue distortions that severely hinder accurate reconstruction of large volumes. Recent developments in tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy have made it possible to investigate large volumes at micrometer resolution. The value of tissue clearing has been shown in a variety of tissue types and animal models. However, its potential for examining the songbird brain remains unexplored. Songbirds are an established model system for the study of vocal learning and sensorimotor control. They share with humans the capacity to adapt vocalizations based on auditory input. Song learning and production are controlled in songbirds by the song system, which forms a network of interconnected discrete brain nuclei. Here, we use the CUBIC and iDISCO+ protocols for clearing adult songbird brain tissue. Combined with light sheet imaging, we show the potential of tissue clearing for the investigation of connectivity between song nuclei, as well as for neuroanatomy and brain vasculature studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Diales Rocha
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Daniel Normen Düring
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany.,Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Bethge
- Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland.,Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian F Voigt
- Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland.,Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Staffan Hildebrand
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland.,Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Pfeifer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Richard Hans Robert Hahnloser
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Gahr
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
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Pidoux L, Le Blanc P, Levenes C, Leblois A. A subcortical circuit linking the cerebellum to the basal ganglia engaged in vocal learning. eLife 2018; 7:32167. [PMID: 30044222 PMCID: PMC6112851 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Speech is a complex sensorimotor skill, and vocal learning involves both the basal ganglia and the cerebellum. These subcortical structures interact indirectly through their respective loops with thalamo-cortical and brainstem networks, and directly via subcortical pathways, but the role of their interaction during sensorimotor learning remains undetermined. While songbirds and their song-dedicated basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuitry offer a unique opportunity to study subcortical circuits involved in vocal learning, the cerebellar contribution to avian song learning remains unknown. We demonstrate that the cerebellum provides a strong input to the song-related basal ganglia nucleus in zebra finches. Cerebellar signals are transmitted to the basal ganglia via a disynaptic connection through the thalamus and then conveyed to their cortical target and to the premotor nucleus controlling song production. Finally, cerebellar lesions impair juvenile song learning, opening new opportunities to investigate how subcortical interactions between the cerebellum and basal ganglia contribute to sensorimotor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Pidoux
- Center for Neurophysics, Physiology and Pathology (UMR CNRS 8119), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Neuroscience and Cognition, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Le Blanc
- Center for Neurophysics, Physiology and Pathology (UMR CNRS 8119), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Neuroscience and Cognition, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Carole Levenes
- Center for Neurophysics, Physiology and Pathology (UMR CNRS 8119), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Neuroscience and Cognition, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Arthur Leblois
- Center for Neurophysics, Physiology and Pathology (UMR CNRS 8119), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Neuroscience and Cognition, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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