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Steinemer A, Simon A, Güntürkün O, Rook N. Parallel executive pallio-motor loops in the pigeon brain. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25611. [PMID: 38625816 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
A core component of the avian pallial cognitive network is the multimodal nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) that is considered to be analogous to the mammalian prefrontal cortex (PFC). The NCL plays a key role in a multitude of executive tasks such as working memory, decision-making during navigation, and extinction learning in complex learning environments. Like the PFC, the NCL is positioned at the transition from ascending sensory to descending motor systems. For the latter, it sends descending premotor projections to the intermediate arcopallium (AI) and the medial striatum (MSt). To gain detailed insight into the organization of these projections, we conducted several retrograde and anterograde tracing experiments. First, we tested whether NCL neurons projecting to AI (NCLarco neurons) and MSt (NCLMSt neurons) are constituted by a single neuronal population with bifurcating neurons, or whether they form two distinct populations. Here, we found two distinct projection patterns to both target areas that were associated with different morphologies. Second, we revealed a weak topographic projection toward the medial and lateral striatum and a strong topographic projection toward AI with clearly distinguishable sensory termination fields. Third, we investigated the relationship between the descending NCL pathways to the arcopallium with those from the hyperpallium apicale, which harbors a second major descending pathway of the avian pallium. We embed our findings within a system of parallel pallio-motor loops that carry information from separate sensory modalities to different subpallial systems. Our results also provide insights into the evolution of the avian motor system from which, possibly, the song system has emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Steinemer
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Annika Simon
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Noemi Rook
- Department of Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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2
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Colquitt BM, Li K, Green F, Veline R, Brainard MS. Neural circuit-wide analysis of changes to gene expression during deafening-induced birdsong destabilization. eLife 2023; 12:e85970. [PMID: 37284822 PMCID: PMC10259477 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85970] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory feedback is required for the stable execution of learned motor skills, and its loss can severely disrupt motor performance. The neural mechanisms that mediate sensorimotor stability have been extensively studied at systems and physiological levels, yet relatively little is known about how disruptions to sensory input alter the molecular properties of associated motor systems. Songbird courtship song, a model for skilled behavior, is a learned and highly structured vocalization that is destabilized following deafening. Here, we sought to determine how the loss of auditory feedback modifies gene expression and its coordination across the birdsong sensorimotor circuit. To facilitate this system-wide analysis of transcriptional responses, we developed a gene expression profiling approach that enables the construction of hundreds of spatially-defined RNA-sequencing libraries. Using this method, we found that deafening preferentially alters gene expression across birdsong neural circuitry relative to surrounding areas, particularly in premotor and striatal regions. Genes with altered expression are associated with synaptic transmission, neuronal spines, and neuromodulation and show a bias toward expression in glutamatergic neurons and Pvalb/Sst-class GABAergic interneurons. We also found that connected song regions exhibit correlations in gene expression that were reduced in deafened birds relative to hearing birds, suggesting that song destabilization alters the inter-region coordination of transcriptional states. Finally, lesioning LMAN, a forebrain afferent of RA required for deafening-induced song plasticity, had the largest effect on groups of genes that were also most affected by deafening. Combined, this integrated transcriptomics analysis demonstrates that the loss of peripheral sensory input drives a distributed gene expression response throughout associated sensorimotor neural circuitry and identifies specific candidate molecular and cellular mechanisms that support the stability and plasticity of learned motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M Colquitt
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Kelly Li
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Foad Green
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Robert Veline
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Michael S Brainard
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseUnited States
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
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3
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Benítez-Burraco A, Jiménez-Romero MS, Fernández-Urquiza M. Delving into the Genetic Causes of Language Impairment in a Case of Partial Deletion of NRXN1. Mol Syndromol 2023; 13:496-510. [PMID: 36660026 PMCID: PMC9843585 DOI: 10.1159/000524710] [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: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Copy-number variations (CNVs) impacting on small DNA stretches and associated with language deficits provide a unique window to the role played by specific genes in language function. Methods We report in detail on the cognitive, language, and genetic features of a girl bearing a small deletion (0.186 Mb) in the 2p16.3 region, arr[hg19] 2p16.3(50761778_50947729)×1, affecting exons 3-7 of NRXN1, a neurexin-coding gene previously related to schizophrenia, autism (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorder, and intellectual disability (ID). Results The proband exhibits many of the features commonly found in subjects with deletions of NRXN1, like ASD-like traits (including ritualized behaviors, disordered sensory aspects, social disturbances, and impaired theory of mind), ADHD symptoms, moderate ID, and impaired speech and language. Regarding this latter aspect, we observed altered speech production, underdeveloped phonological awareness, minimal syntax, serious shortage of active vocabulary, impaired receptive language, and inappropriate pragmatic behavior (including lack of metapragmatic awareness and communicative use of gaze). Microarray analyses point to the dysregulation of several genes important for language function in the girl compared to her healthy parents. Discussion Although some basic cognitive deficit - such as the impairment of executive function - might contribute to the language problems exhibited by the proband, molecular evidence suggests that they might result, to a great extent, from the abnormal expression of genes directly related to language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), University of Seville, Seville, Spain,*Antonio Benítez-Burraco,
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Forebrain nuclei linked to woodpecker territorial drum displays mirror those that enable vocal learning in songbirds. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001751. [PMID: 36125990 PMCID: PMC9488818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vocal learning is thought to have evolved in 3 orders of birds (songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds), with each showing similar brain regions that have comparable gene expression specializations relative to the surrounding forebrain motor circuitry. Here, we searched for signatures of these same gene expression specializations in previously uncharacterized brains of 7 assumed vocal non-learning bird lineages across the early branches of the avian family tree. Our findings using a conserved marker for the song system found little evidence of specializations in these taxa, except for woodpeckers. Instead, woodpeckers possessed forebrain regions that were anatomically similar to the pallial song nuclei of vocal learning birds. Field studies of free-living downy woodpeckers revealed that these brain nuclei showed increased expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) when males produce their iconic drum displays, the elaborate bill-hammering behavior that individuals use to compete for territories, much like birdsong. However, these specialized areas did not show increased IEG expression with vocalization or flight. We further confirmed that other woodpecker species contain these brain nuclei, suggesting that these brain regions are a common feature of the woodpecker brain. We therefore hypothesize that ancient forebrain nuclei for refined motor control may have given rise to not only the song control systems of vocal learning birds, but also the drumming system of woodpeckers. Vocal learning is thought to have evolved in three orders of birds (songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds). This study shows that woodpeckers have evolved a set of brain nuclei to mediate their drum displays, and these regions closely mirror those that underlie song learning in songbirds.
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Brito V, Montalban E, Sancho-Balsells A, Pupak A, Flotta F, Masana M, Ginés S, Alberch J, Martin C, Girault JA, Giralt A. Hippocampal Egr1-Dependent Neuronal Ensembles Negatively Regulate Motor Learning. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5346-5360. [PMID: 35610044 PMCID: PMC9270920 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2258-21.2022] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor skills learning is classically associated with brain regions including cerebral and cerebellar cortices and basal ganglia nuclei. Less is known about the role of the hippocampus in the acquisition and storage of motor skills. Here, we show that mice receiving a long-term training in the accelerating rotarod display marked hippocampal transcriptional changes and reduced pyramidal neurons activity in the CA1 region when compared with naive mice. Then, we use mice in which neural ensembles are permanently labeled in an Egr1 activity-dependent fashion. Using these mice, we identify a subpopulation of Egr1-expressing pyramidal neurons in CA1 activated in short-term (STT) and long-term (LTT) trained mice in the rotarod task. When Egr1 is downregulated in the CA1 or these neuronal ensembles are depleted, motor learning is improved whereas their chemogenetic stimulation impairs motor learning performance. Thus, Egr1 organizes specific CA1 neuronal ensembles during the accelerating rotarod task that limit motor learning. These evidences highlight the role of the hippocampus in the control of this type of learning and we provide a possible underlying mechanism.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT It is a major topic in neurosciences the deciphering of the specific circuits underlying memory systems during the encoding of new information. However, the potential role of the hippocampus in the control of motor learning and the underlying mechanisms has been poorly addressed. In the present work we show how the hippocampus responds to motor learning and how the Egr1 molecule is one of the major responsible for such phenomenon controlling the rate of motor coordination performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Brito
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
| | - Enrica Montalban
- Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8251, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Paris, Paris F-75014, France
| | - Anna Sancho-Balsells
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
| | - Anika Pupak
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
| | - Francesca Flotta
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
| | - Mercè Masana
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
| | - Silvia Ginés
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
- Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Claire Martin
- Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8251, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Paris, Paris F-75014, France
| | - Jean-Antoine Girault
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche -S 1270, Paris 75005, France
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75005, France
- Institut du Fer a Moulin, Paris 75005, France
| | - Albert Giralt
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain, 28029 Madrid
- Production and Validation Center of Advanced Therapies (Creatio), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
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Hayase S, Shao C, Kobayashi M, Mori C, Liu WC, Wada K. Seasonal regulation of singing-driven gene expression associated with song plasticity in the canary, an open-ended vocal learner. Mol Brain 2021; 14:160. [PMID: 34715888 PMCID: PMC8556994 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00869-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Songbirds are one of the few animal taxa that possess vocal learning abilities. Different species of songbirds exhibit species-specific learning programs during song acquisition. Songbirds with open-ended vocal learning capacity, such as the canary, modify their songs during adulthood. Nevertheless, the neural molecular mechanisms underlying open-ended vocal learning are not fully understood. We investigated the singing-driven expression of neural activity-dependent genes (Arc, Egr1, c-fos, Nr4a1, Sik1, Dusp6, and Gadd45β) in the canary to examine a potential relationship between the gene expression level and the degree of seasonal vocal plasticity at different ages. The expression of these genes was differently regulated throughout the critical period of vocal learning in the zebra finch, a closed-ended song learner. In the canary, the neural activity-dependent genes were induced by singing in the song nuclei throughout the year. However, in the vocal motor nucleus, the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), all genes were regulated with a higher induction rate by singing in the fall than in the spring. The singing-driven expression of these genes showed a similar induction rate in the fall between the first year juvenile and the second year adult canaries, suggesting a seasonal, not age-dependent, regulation of the neural activity-dependent genes. By measuring seasonal vocal plasticity and singing-driven gene expression, we found that in RA, the induction intensity of the neural activity-dependent genes was correlated with the state of vocal plasticity. These results demonstrate a correlation between vocal plasticity and the singing-driven expression of neural activity-dependent genes in RA through song development, regardless of whether a songbird species possesses an open- or closed-ended vocal learning capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Hayase
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chengru Shao
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chihiro Mori
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wan-Chun Liu
- Department of Psychology, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Wada
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. .,Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, North 10, West 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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7
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Zhou X, Chen Y, Peng J, Zuo M, Sun Y. Deafening-induced rapid changes to spine synaptic connectivity in the adult avian vocal basal ganglia. Integr Zool 2021; 17:1136-1146. [PMID: 34599554 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The basal ganglia have been implicated in auditory-dependent vocal learning and plasticity in human and songbirds, but the underlying neural phenotype remains to be clarified. Here, using confocal imaging and three-dimensional electron microscopy, we investigated striatal structural plasticity in response to hearing loss in Area X, the avian vocal basal ganglia, in adult male zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). We observed a rapid elongation of dendritic spines, by approximately 13%, by day 3 after deafening, and a considerable increase in spine synapse density, by approximately 61%, by day 14 after deafening, compared with the controls with an intact cochlea. These findings reveal structural sensitivity of Area X to auditory deprivation and suggest that this striatal plasticity might contribute to deafening-induced changes to learned vocal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Bejiing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing, China
| | - Yalan Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Bejiing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jikan Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Bejiing Normal University, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingxue Zuo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Bejiing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingyu Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Bejiing Normal University, Beijing, China
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8
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Beccacece L, Abondio P, Cilli E, Restani D, Luiselli D. Human Genomics and the Biocultural Origin of Music. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5397. [PMID: 34065521 PMCID: PMC8160972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Music is an exclusive feature of humankind. It can be considered as a form of universal communication, only partly comparable to the vocalizations of songbirds. Many trends of research in this field try to address music origins, as well as the genetic bases of musicality. On one hand, several hypotheses have been made on the evolution of music and its role, but there is still debate, and comparative studies suggest a gradual evolution of some abilities underlying musicality in primates. On the other hand, genome-wide studies highlight several genes associated with musical aptitude, confirming a genetic basis for different musical skills which humans show. Moreover, some genes associated with musicality are involved also in singing and song learning in songbirds, suggesting a likely evolutionary convergence between humans and songbirds. This comprehensive review aims at presenting the concept of music as a sociocultural manifestation within the current debate about its biocultural origin and evolutionary function, in the context of the most recent discoveries related to the cross-species genetics of musical production and perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Beccacece
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Paolo Abondio
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Cilli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna—Ravenna Campus, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (E.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Donatella Restani
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna—Ravenna Campus, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (E.C.); (D.R.)
| | - Donata Luiselli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna—Ravenna Campus, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (E.C.); (D.R.)
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9
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Biegler MT, Cantin LJ, Scarano DL, Jarvis ED. Controlling for activity-dependent genes and behavioral states is critical for determining brain relationships within and across species. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:3206-3221. [PMID: 33855704 PMCID: PMC8205984 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The genetic profile of vertebrate pallia has long driven debate on homology across distantly related clades. Based on an expression profile of the orphan nuclear receptor NR4A2 in mouse and chicken brains, Puelles et al. (The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2016, 524, 665–703) concluded that the avian lateral mesopallium is homologous to the mammalian claustrum, and the medial mesopallium homologous to the insula cortex. They argued that their findings contradict conclusions by Jarvis et al. (The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2013, 521, 3614–3665) and Chen et al. (The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2013, 521, 3666–3701) that the hyperpallium densocellare is instead a mesopallium cell population, and by Suzuki and Hirata (Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 2014, 8, 783) that the avian mesopallium is homologous to mammalian cortical layers 2/3. Here, we find that NR4A2 is an activity‐dependent gene and cannot be used to determine brain organization or species relationships without considering behavioral state. Activity‐dependent NR4A2 expression has been previously demonstrated in the rodent brain, with the highest induction occurring within the claustrum, amygdala, deep and superficial cortical layers, and hippocampus. In the zebra finch, we find that NR4A2 is constitutively expressed in the arcopallium, but induced in parts of the mesopallium, and in sparse cells within the hyperpallium, depending on animal stimulus or behavioral state. Basal and induced NR4A2 expression patterns do not discount the previously named avian hyperpallium densocellare as dorsal mesopallium and conflict with proposed homology between the avian mesopallium and mammalian claustrum/insula at the exclusion of other brain regions. Broadly, these findings highlight the importance of controlling for behavioral state and neural activity to genetically define brain cell population relationships within and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Biegler
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lindsey J Cantin
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Danielle L Scarano
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
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10
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Zhao W, Garcia-Oscos F, Dinh D, Roberts TF. Inception of memories that guide vocal learning in the songbird. Science 2020; 366:83-89. [PMID: 31604306 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw4226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Animals learn many complex behaviors by emulating the behavior of more experienced individuals. This essential, yet still poorly understood, form of learning relies on the ability to encode lasting memories of observed behaviors. We identified a vocal-motor pathway in the zebra finch where memories that guide learning of song-element durations can be implanted. Activation of synapses in this pathway seeds memories that guide learning of song-element duration and can override learning from social interactions with other individuals. Genetic lesions of this circuit after memory formation, however, do not disrupt subsequent song imitation, which suggests that these memories are stored at downstream synapses. Thus, activity at these sensorimotor synapses can bypass learning from auditory and social experience and embed memories that guide learning of song timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchan Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Daniel Dinh
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Todd F Roberts
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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11
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Lovell PV, Wirthlin M, Kaser T, Buckner AA, Carleton JB, Snider BR, McHugh AK, Tolpygo A, Mitra PP, Mello CV. ZEBrA: Zebra finch Expression Brain Atlas-A resource for comparative molecular neuroanatomy and brain evolution studies. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2099-2131. [PMID: 32037563 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An in-depth understanding of the genetics and evolution of brain function and behavior requires a detailed mapping of gene expression in functional brain circuits across major vertebrate clades. Here we present the Zebra finch Expression Brain Atlas (ZEBrA; www.zebrafinchatlas.org, RRID: SCR_012988), a web-based resource that maps the expression of genes linked to a broad range of functions onto the brain of zebra finches. ZEBrA is a first of its kind gene expression brain atlas for a bird species and a first for any sauropsid. ZEBrA's >3,200 high-resolution digital images of in situ hybridized sections for ~650 genes (as of June 2019) are presented in alignment with an annotated histological atlas and can be browsed down to cellular resolution. An extensive relational database connects expression patterns to information about gene function, mouse expression patterns and phenotypes, and gene involvement in human diseases and communication disorders. By enabling brain-wide gene expression assessments in a bird, ZEBrA provides important substrates for comparative neuroanatomy and molecular brain evolution studies. ZEBrA also provides unique opportunities for linking genetic pathways to vocal learning and motor control circuits, as well as for novel insights into the molecular basis of sex steroids actions, brain dimorphisms, reproductive and social behaviors, sleep function, and adult neurogenesis, among many fundamental themes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Lovell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Morgan Wirthlin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Taylor Kaser
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alexa A Buckner
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Julia B Carleton
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Brian R Snider
- Center for Spoken Language Understanding, Institute on Development and Disability, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Anne K McHugh
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Partha P Mitra
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Claudio V Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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12
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Woolley SC, Woolley SMN. Integrating Form and Function in the Songbird Auditory Forebrain. THE NEUROETHOLOGY OF BIRDSONG 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34683-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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13
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Huang CC, Chen YY, Fang YT, Chen YC, Hung CM. Generating brain matrices for zebra finch brain sectioning using three-dimensional printing technology. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 327:108399. [PMID: 31425722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108399] [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: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand to sample brain regions in non-model species is increasing as more studies are integrating neurological data into behavioural, ecological or evolutionary analysis. However, the sampling operation is difficult for researchers without neuroscience background. It is also a challenge to collect neuroanatomical regions from animals in the field. NEW METHOD Here we developed a new brain matrix for guiding researchers to section zebra finches' (Taeniopygia guttata) brains more steadily than by freehand trimming. Based on the 3D printing technology, we produced the zebra finch brain matrix from scratch. We also provided a step-by-step protocol to make brain matrices for any species with a brain size between that of shrews and dogs. RESULTS The brain matrix could guide us to find the zebra finch's neuroanatomical landmarks, such as the hypothalamus, optic chiasm and occulomotor nerve. The matrix's channels near these landmarks could be used to section brains steadily and rapidly. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Standardized brain sectioning often requires expensive machines that may not be available in most laboratories or in the field, such as microtomes. In addition, machine-based trimming is time-consuming. Although commercial brain matrices can overcome these problems, they are only available for rats and mice. The brain matrices we developed are affordable to most laboratories and can be customised for non-model species in both lab and field experiments. CONCLUSIONS The matrix-guided approach requires a relatively short training period and can allow researchers to properly and quickly sample brains, and thus will facilitate neuroscience-based interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi-Ying Chen
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Fang
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Chen
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Hung
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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14
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Fernández M, Morales C, Durán E, Fernández‐Colleman S, Sentis E, Mpodozis J, Karten HJ, Marín GJ. Parallel organization of the avian sensorimotor arcopallium: Tectofugal visual pathway in the pigeon (
Columba livia
). J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:597-623. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Máximo Fernández
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Cristian Morales
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Ernesto Durán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de Chile Santiago Chile
| | | | - Elisa Sentis
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Jorge Mpodozis
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Harvey J. Karten
- Department of Neurosciences, School of MedicineUniversity of California San Diego California
| | - Gonzalo J. Marín
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de Chile Santiago Chile
- Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad Finis Terrae Santiago Chile
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15
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Abstract
Although language, and therefore spoken language or speech, is often considered unique to humans, the past several decades have seen a surge in nonhuman animal studies that inform us about human spoken language. Here, I present a modern, evolution-based synthesis of these studies, from behavioral to molecular levels of analyses. Among the key concepts drawn are that components of spoken language are continuous between species, and that the vocal learning component is the most specialized and rarest and evolved by brain pathway duplication from an ancient motor learning pathway. These concepts have important implications for understanding brain mechanisms and disorders of spoken language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich D Jarvis
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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16
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Benítez-Burraco A, Kimura R. Robust Candidates for Language Development and Evolution Are Significantly Dysregulated in the Blood of People With Williams Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:258. [PMID: 30971880 PMCID: PMC6444191 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition, involving cognitive deficits and an uneven language profile, which has been the object of intense inquiry over the last decades. Although WS results from the hemideletion of around two dozen genes in chromosome 7, no gene has yet been probed to account for, or contribute significantly to, the language problems exhibited by the affected people. In this paper we have relied on gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood of WS patients obtained by microarray analysis and show that several robust candidates for language disorders and/or for language evolution in the species, all of them located outside the hemideleted region, are up- or downregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. Most of these genes play a role in the development and function of brain areas involved in language processing, which exhibit structural and functional anomalies in people with this condition. Overall, these genes emerge as robust candidates for language dysfunction in WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ryo Kimura
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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17
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Asogwa NC, Mori C, Sánchez-Valpuesta M, Hayase S, Wada K. Inter- and intra-specific differences in muscarinic acetylcholine receptor expression in the neural pathways for vocal learning in songbirds. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:2856-2869. [PMID: 30198559 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) abound in the central nervous system of vertebrates. Muscarinic AChRs (mAChRs), a functional subclass of AChRs, mediate neuronal responses via intracellular signal transduction. They also play roles in sensorimotor coordination and motor skill learning by enhancing cortical plasticity. Learned birdsong is a complex motor skill acquired through sensorimotor coordination during a critical period. However, the functions of AChRs in the neural circuits for vocal learning and production remain largely unexplored. Here, we report the unique expression of mAChRs subunits (chrm2-5) in the song nuclei of zebra finches. The expression of excitatory subunits (chrm3 and chrm5) was downregulated in the song nuclei compared with the surrounding brain regions. In contrast, the expression of inhibitory mAChRs (chrm2 and chrm4) was upregulated in the premotor song nucleus HVC relative to the surrounding nidopallium. Chrm4 showed developmentally different expression in HVC during the critical period. Compared with chrm4, individual differences in chrm2 expression emerged in HVC early in the critical period. These individual differences in chrm2 expression persisted despite testosterone administration or auditory deprivation, which altered the timing of song stabilization. Instead, the variability in chrm2 expression in HVC correlated with parental genetics. In addition, chrm2 expression in HVC exhibited species differences and individual variability among songbird species. These results suggest that mAChRs play an underappreciated role in the development of species and individual differences in song patterns by modulating the excitability of HVC neurons, providing a potential insight into the gating of auditory responses in HVC neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman C Asogwa
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Mori
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Shin Hayase
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Wada
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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18
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Korlach J, Gedman G, Kingan SB, Chin CS, Howard JT, Audet JN, Cantin L, Jarvis ED. De novo PacBio long-read and phased avian genome assemblies correct and add to reference genes generated with intermediate and short reads. Gigascience 2018; 6:1-16. [PMID: 29020750 PMCID: PMC5632298 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/gix085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reference-quality genomes are expected to provide a resource for studying gene structure, function, and evolution. However, often genes of interest are not completely or accurately assembled, leading to unknown errors in analyses or additional cloning efforts for the correct sequences. A promising solution is long-read sequencing. Here we tested PacBio-based long-read sequencing and diploid assembly for potential improvements to the Sanger-based intermediate-read zebra finch reference and Illumina-based short-read Anna's hummingbird reference, 2 vocal learning avian species widely studied in neuroscience and genomics. With DNA of the same individuals used to generate the reference genomes, we generated diploid assemblies with the FALCON-Unzip assembler, resulting in contigs with no gaps in the megabase range, representing 150-fold and 200-fold improvements over the current zebra finch and hummingbird references, respectively. These long-read and phased assemblies corrected and resolved what we discovered to be numerous misassemblies in the references, including missing sequences in gaps, erroneous sequences flanking gaps, base call errors in difficult-to-sequence regions, complex repeat structure errors, and allelic differences between the 2 haplotypes. These improvements were validated by single long-genome and transcriptome reads and resulted for the first time in completely resolved protein-coding genes widely studied in neuroscience and specialized in vocal learning species. These findings demonstrate the impact of long reads, sequencing of previously difficult-to-sequence regions, and phasing of haplotypes on generating the high-quality assemblies necessary for understanding gene structure, function, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory Gedman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | - Jason T Howard
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jean-Nicolas Audet
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Lindsey Cantin
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Box 54, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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19
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Zhou X, Fu X, Lin C, Zhou X, Liu J, Wang L, Zhang X, Zuo M, Fan X, Li D, Sun Y. Remodeling of Dendritic Spines in the Avian Vocal Motor Cortex Following Deafening Depends on the Basal Ganglia Circuit. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:2820-2830. [PMID: 27166173 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Deafening elicits a deterioration of learned vocalization, in both humans and songbirds. In songbirds, learned vocal plasticity has been shown to depend on the basal ganglia-cortical circuit, but the underlying cellular basis remains to be clarified. Using confocal imaging and electron microscopy, we examined the effect of deafening on dendritic spines in avian vocal motor cortex, the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), and investigated the role of the basal ganglia circuit in motor cortex plasticity. We found rapid structural changes to RA dendritic spines in response to hearing loss, accompanied by learned song degradation. In particular, the morphological characters of RA spine synaptic contacts between 2 major pathways were altered differently. However, experimental disruption of the basal ganglia circuit, through lesions in song-specialized basal ganglia nucleus Area X, largely prevented both the observed changes to RA dendritic spines and the song deterioration after hearing loss. Our results provide cellular evidence to highlight a key role of the basal ganglia circuit in the motor cortical plasticity that underlies learned vocal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Brain Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xin Fu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Brain Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chun Lin
- Department of Biology, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Brain Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Brain Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Li Wang
- Center for Biological Imaging (CBI), Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Department of Biology, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Mingxue Zuo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Brain Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaolong Fan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Brain Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
| | - Yingyu Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Laboratory of Neuroscience and Brain Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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20
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Chakraborty M, Jarvis ED. Brain evolution by brain pathway duplication. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:rstb.2015.0056. [PMID: 26554045 PMCID: PMC4650129 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of evolution of brain pathways for complex behaviours is still in its infancy. Making further advances requires a deeper understanding of brain homologies, novelties and analogies. It also requires an understanding of how adaptive genetic modifications lead to restructuring of the brain. Recent advances in genomic and molecular biology techniques applied to brain research have provided exciting insights into how complex behaviours are shaped by selection of novel brain pathways and functions of the nervous system. Here, we review and further develop some insights to a new hypothesis on one mechanism that may contribute to nervous system evolution, in particular by brain pathway duplication. Like gene duplication, we propose that whole brain pathways can duplicate and the duplicated pathway diverge to take on new functions. We suggest that one mechanism of brain pathway duplication could be through gene duplication, although other mechanisms are possible. We focus on brain pathways for vocal learning and spoken language in song-learning birds and humans as example systems. This view presents a new framework for future research in our understanding of brain evolution and novel behavioural traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukta Chakraborty
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27713, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27713, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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21
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Murphy E, Benítez-Burraco A. Language deficits in schizophrenia and autism as related oscillatory connectomopathies: An evolutionary account. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 83:742-764. [PMID: 27475632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterised by marked language deficits, but it is not clear how these arise from gene mutations associated with the disorders. Our goal is to narrow the gap between SZ and ASD and, ultimately, give support to the view that they represent abnormal (but related) ontogenetic itineraries for the human faculty of language. We will focus on the distinctive oscillatory profiles of the SZ and ASD brains, in turn using these insights to refine our understanding of how the brain implements linguistic computations by exploring a novel model of linguistic feature-set composition. We will argue that brain rhythms constitute the best route to interpreting language deficits in both conditions and mapping them to neural dysfunction and risk alleles of the genes. Importantly, candidate genes for SZ and ASD are overrepresented among the gene sets believed to be important for language evolution. This translational effort may help develop an understanding of the aetiology of SZ and ASD and their high prevalence among modern populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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22
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Chakraborty M, Walløe S, Nedergaard S, Fridel EE, Dabelsteen T, Pakkenberg B, Bertelsen MF, Dorrestein GM, Brauth SE, Durand SE, Jarvis ED. Core and Shell Song Systems Unique to the Parrot Brain. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118496. [PMID: 26107173 PMCID: PMC4479475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to imitate complex sounds is rare, and among birds has been found only in parrots, songbirds, and hummingbirds. Parrots exhibit the most advanced vocal mimicry among non-human animals. A few studies have noted differences in connectivity, brain position and shape in the vocal learning systems of parrots relative to songbirds and hummingbirds. However, only one parrot species, the budgerigar, has been examined and no differences in the presence of song system structures were found with other avian vocal learners. Motivated by questions of whether there are important differences in the vocal systems of parrots relative to other vocal learners, we used specialized constitutive gene expression, singing-driven gene expression, and neural connectivity tracing experiments to further characterize the song system of budgerigars and/or other parrots. We found that the parrot brain uniquely contains a song system within a song system. The parrot "core" song system is similar to the song systems of songbirds and hummingbirds, whereas the "shell" song system is unique to parrots. The core with only rudimentary shell regions were found in the New Zealand kea, representing one of the only living species at a basal divergence with all other parrots, implying that parrots evolved vocal learning systems at least 29 million years ago. Relative size differences in the core and shell regions occur among species, which we suggest could be related to species differences in vocal and cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukta Chakraborty
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Solveig Walløe
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Nedergaard
- Danish National Police, National Centre of Forensic Services, Vanloese, Denmark
| | - Emma E. Fridel
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Torben Dabelsteen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Pakkenberg
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Gerry M. Dorrestein
- Dutch Research Institute of Avian and Exotic Animals, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Steven E. Brauth
- University of Maryland, College Park, MA, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Durand
- LaGuardia Community College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Erich D. Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
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23
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Matheson LE, Sun H, Sakata JT. Forebrain circuits underlying the social modulation of vocal communication signals. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 76:47-63. [PMID: 25959605 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Across vertebrate species, signalers alter the structure of their communication signals based on the social context. For example, male Bengalese finches produce faster and more stereotyped songs when directing song to females (female-directed [FD] song) than when singing in isolation (undirected [UD] song), and such changes have been found to increase the attractiveness of a male's song. Despite the importance of such social influences, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the social modulation of communication signals. To this end, we analyzed differences in immediate early gene (EGR-1) expression when Bengalese finches produced FD or UD song. Relative to silent birds, EGR-1 expression was elevated in birds producing either FD or UD song throughout vocal control circuitry, including the interface nucleus of the nidopallium (NIf), HVC, the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), Area X, and the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN). Moreover, EGR-1 expression was higher in HVC, RA, Area X, and LMAN in males producing UD song than in males producing FD song, indicating that social context modulated EGR-1 expression in these areas. However, EGR-1 expression was not significantly different between males producing FD or UD song in NIf, the primary vocal motor input into HVC, suggesting that context-dependent changes could arise de novo in HVC. The pattern of context-dependent differences in EGR-1 expression in the Bengalese finch was highly similar to that in the zebra finch and suggests that social context affects song structure by modulating activity throughout vocal control nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Herie Sun
- Department of Biology, McGill University
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24
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Wang R, Chen CC, Hara E, Rivas MV, Roulhac PL, Howard JT, Chakraborty M, Audet JN, Jarvis ED. Convergent differential regulation of SLIT-ROBO axon guidance genes in the brains of vocal learners. J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:892-906. [PMID: 25424606 PMCID: PMC4329046 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Only a few distantly related mammals and birds have the trait of complex vocal learning, which is the ability to imitate novel sounds. This ability is critical for speech acquisition and production in humans, and is attributed to specialized forebrain vocal control circuits that have several unique connections relative to adjacent brain circuits. As a result, it has been hypothesized that there could exist convergent changes in genes involved in neural connectivity of vocal learning circuits. In support of this hypothesis, expanding on our related study (Pfenning et al. [2014] Science 346: 1256846), here we show that the forebrain part of this circuit that makes a relatively rare direct connection to brainstem vocal motor neurons in independent lineages of vocal learning birds (songbird, parrot, and hummingbird) has specialized regulation of axon guidance genes from the SLIT-ROBO molecular pathway. The SLIT1 ligand was differentially downregulated in the motor song output nucleus that makes the direct projection, whereas its receptor ROBO1 was developmentally upregulated during critical periods for vocal learning. Vocal nonlearning bird species and male mice, which have much more limited vocal plasticity and associated circuits, did not show comparable specialized regulation of SLIT-ROBO genes in their nonvocal motor cortical regions. These findings are consistent with SLIT and ROBO gene dysfunctions associated with autism, dyslexia, and speech sound language disorders and suggest that convergent evolution of vocal learning was associated with convergent changes in the SLIT-ROBO axon guidance pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Institute for Genome Science and Policy, Duke UniversityDurham, North Carolina, 27710
- Beijing Prosperous BiopharmBeijing, 100085, China
| | - Chun-Chun Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Erina Hara
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Miriam V Rivas
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDurham North Carolina, 27710
| | - Petra L Roulhac
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Jason T Howard
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Mukta Chakraborty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Jean-Nicolas Audet
- Department of Biology, McGill UniversityMontreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina, 27710
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25
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Kanduri C, Kuusi T, Ahvenainen M, Philips AK, Lähdesmäki H, Järvelä I. The effect of music performance on the transcriptome of professional musicians. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9506. [PMID: 25806429 PMCID: PMC5380155 DOI: 10.1038/srep09506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Music performance by professional musicians involves a wide-spectrum of cognitive and multi-sensory motor skills, whose biological basis is unknown. Several neuroscientific studies have demonstrated that the brains of professional musicians and non-musicians differ structurally and functionally and that musical training enhances cognition. However, the molecules and molecular mechanisms involved in music performance remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect of music performance on the genome-wide peripheral blood transcriptome of professional musicians by analyzing the transcriptional responses after a 2-hr concert performance and after a 'music-free' control session. The up-regulated genes were found to affect dopaminergic neurotransmission, motor behavior, neuronal plasticity, and neurocognitive functions including learning and memory. Particularly, candidate genes such as SNCA, FOS and DUSP1 that are involved in song perception and production in songbirds, were identified, suggesting an evolutionary conservation in biological processes related to sound perception/production. Additionally, modulation of genes related to calcium ion homeostasis, iron ion homeostasis, glutathione metabolism, and several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases implied that music performance may affect the biological pathways that are otherwise essential for the proper maintenance of neuronal function and survival. For the first time, this study provides evidence for the candidate genes and molecular mechanisms underlying music performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chakravarthi Kanduri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 720, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuire Kuusi
- DocMus doctoral school, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, P.O. Box 30, FI 0097 Uniarts, Finland
| | - Minna Ahvenainen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 720, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anju K. Philips
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 720, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Lähdesmäki
- Department of Information and Computer Science, Aalto University, FI-00076 AALTO, Finland
| | - Irma Järvelä
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 720, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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26
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Audition-independent vocal crystallization associated with intrinsic developmental gene expression dynamics. J Neurosci 2015; 35:878-89. [PMID: 25609608 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1804-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex learned behavior is influenced throughout development by both genetic and environmental factors. Birdsong, like human speech, is a complex vocal behavior acquired through sensorimotor learning and is based on coordinated auditory input and vocal output to mimic tutor song. Song is primarily learned during a specific developmental stage called the critical period. Although auditory input is crucial for acquiring complex vocal patterns, its exact role in neural circuit maturation for vocal learning and production is not well understood. Using audition-deprived songbirds, we examined whether auditory experience affects developmental gene expression in the major elements of neural circuits that mediate vocal learning and production. Compared with intact zebra finches, early-deafened zebra finches showed excessively delayed vocal development, but their songs eventually crystallized. In contrast to the different rates of song development between the intact and deafened birds, developmental gene expression in the motor circuit is conserved in an age-dependent manner from the juvenile stage until the older adult stage, even in the deafened birds, which indicates the audition-independent robustness of gene expression dynamics during development. Furthermore, even after adult deafening, which degrades crystallized song, the deteriorated songs ultimately restabilized at the same point when the early-deafened birds stabilized their songs. These results indicate a genetic program-associated inevitable termination of vocal plasticity that results in audition-independent vocal crystallization.
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27
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Pfenning AR, Hara E, Whitney O, Rivas MV, Wang R, Roulhac PL, Howard JT, Wirthlin M, Lovell PV, Ganapathy G, Mouncastle J, Moseley MA, Thompson JW, Soderblom EJ, Iriki A, Kato M, Gilbert MTP, Zhang G, Bakken T, Bongaarts A, Bernard A, Lein E, Mello CV, Hartemink AJ, Jarvis ED. Convergent transcriptional specializations in the brains of humans and song-learning birds. Science 2014; 346:1256846. [PMID: 25504733 DOI: 10.1126/science.1256846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Song-learning birds and humans share independently evolved similarities in brain pathways for vocal learning that are essential for song and speech and are not found in most other species. Comparisons of brain transcriptomes of song-learning birds and humans relative to vocal nonlearners identified convergent gene expression specializations in specific song and speech brain regions of avian vocal learners and humans. The strongest shared profiles relate bird motor and striatal song-learning nuclei, respectively, with human laryngeal motor cortex and parts of the striatum that control speech production and learning. Most of the associated genes function in motor control and brain connectivity. Thus, convergent behavior and neural connectivity for a complex trait are associated with convergent specialized expression of multiple genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas R Pfenning
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Erina Hara
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Osceola Whitney
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Miriam V Rivas
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Petra L Roulhac
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jason T Howard
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Morgan Wirthlin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Peter V Lovell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ganeshkumar Ganapathy
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Mouncastle
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - M Arthur Moseley
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - J Will Thompson
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Erik J Soderblom
- Duke Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Atsushi Iriki
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masaki Kato
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark. Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Guojie Zhang
- China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China. Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trygve Bakken
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | | | - Amy Bernard
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Ed Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Claudio V Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | - Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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28
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Whitney O, Pfenning AR, Howard JT, Blatti CA, Liu F, Ward JM, Wang R, Audet JN, Kellis M, Mukherjee S, Sinha S, Hartemink AJ, West AE, Jarvis ED. Core and region-enriched networks of behaviorally regulated genes and the singing genome. Science 2014; 346:1256780. [PMID: 25504732 DOI: 10.1126/science.1256780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Songbirds represent an important model organism for elucidating molecular mechanisms that link genes with complex behaviors, in part because they have discrete vocal learning circuits that have parallels with those that mediate human speech. We found that ~10% of the genes in the avian genome were regulated by singing, and we found a striking regional diversity of both basal and singing-induced programs in the four key song nuclei of the zebra finch, a vocal learning songbird. The region-enriched patterns were a result of distinct combinations of region-enriched transcription factors (TFs), their binding motifs, and presinging acetylation of histone 3 at lysine 27 (H3K27ac) enhancer activity in the regulatory regions of the associated genes. RNA interference manipulations validated the role of the calcium-response transcription factor (CaRF) in regulating genes preferentially expressed in specific song nuclei in response to singing. Thus, differential combinatorial binding of a small group of activity-regulated TFs and predefined epigenetic enhancer activity influences the anatomical diversity of behaviorally regulated gene networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osceola Whitney
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Andreas R Pfenning
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Jason T Howard
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Charles A Blatti
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - James M Ward
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jean-Nicoles Audet
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Saurabh Sinha
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Anne E West
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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29
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Boeckx C, Benítez-Burraco A. Globularity and language-readiness: generating new predictions by expanding the set of genes of interest. Front Psychol 2014; 5:1324. [PMID: 25505436 PMCID: PMC4243498 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study builds on the hypothesis put forth in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014), according to which the developmental changes expressed at the levels of brain morphology and neural connectivity that resulted in a more globular braincase in our species were crucial to understand the origins of our language-ready brain. Specifically, this paper explores the links between two well-known 'language-related' genes like FOXP2 and ROBO1 implicated in vocal learning and the initial set of genes of interest put forth in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014), with RUNX2 as focal point. Relying on the existing literature, we uncover potential molecular links that could be of interest to future experimental inquiries into the biological foundations of language and the testing of our initial hypothesis. Our discussion could also be relevant for clinical linguistics and for the interpretation of results from paleogenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Advanced Studies and Research (ICREA)Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Linguistics, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
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30
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Kubikova L, Bosikova E, Cvikova M, Lukacova K, Scharff C, Jarvis ED. Basal ganglia function, stuttering, sequencing, and repair in adult songbirds. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6590. [PMID: 25307086 PMCID: PMC4194444 DOI: 10.1038/srep06590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A pallial-basal-ganglia-thalamic-pallial loop in songbirds is involved in vocal motor learning. Damage to its basal ganglia part, Area X, in adult zebra finches has been noted to have no strong effects on song and its function is unclear. Here we report that neurotoxic damage to adult Area X induced changes in singing tempo and global syllable sequencing in all animals, and considerably increased syllable repetition in birds whose song motifs ended with minor repetitions before lesioning. This stuttering-like behavior started at one month, and improved over six months. Unexpectedly, the lesioned region showed considerable recovery, including immigration of newly generated or repaired neurons that became active during singing. The timing of the recovery and stuttering suggest that immature recovering activity of the circuit might be associated with stuttering. These findings indicate that even after juvenile learning is complete, the adult striatum plays a role in higher level organization of learned vocalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubica Kubikova
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Physiology of Behaviour, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovakia
| | - Eva Bosikova
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Physiology of Behaviour, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovakia
| | - Martina Cvikova
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Physiology of Behaviour, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Lukacova
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Physiology of Behaviour, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovakia
| | | | - Erich D Jarvis
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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31
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Jarvis ED, Yu J, Rivas MV, Horita H, Feenders G, Whitney O, Jarvis SC, Jarvis ER, Kubikova L, Puck AEP, Siang-Bakshi C, Martin S, McElroy M, Hara E, Howard J, Pfenning A, Mouritsen H, Chen CC, Wada K. Global view of the functional molecular organization of the avian cerebrum: mirror images and functional columns. J Comp Neurol 2014; 521:3614-65. [PMID: 23818122 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Based on quantitative cluster analyses of 52 constitutively expressed or behaviorally regulated genes in 23 brain regions, we present a global view of telencephalic organization of birds. The patterns of constitutively expressed genes revealed a partial mirror image organization of three major cell populations that wrap above, around, and below the ventricle and adjacent lamina through the mesopallium. The patterns of behaviorally regulated genes revealed functional columns of activation across boundaries of these cell populations, reminiscent of columns through layers of the mammalian cortex. The avian functionally regulated columns were of two types: those above the ventricle and associated mesopallial lamina, formed by our revised dorsal mesopallium, hyperpallium, and intercalated hyperpallium; and those below the ventricle, formed by our revised ventral mesopallium, nidopallium, and intercalated nidopallium. Based on these findings and known connectivity, we propose that the avian pallium has four major cell populations similar to those in mammalian cortex and some parts of the amygdala: 1) a primary sensory input population (intercalated pallium); 2) a secondary intrapallial population (nidopallium/hyperpallium); 3) a tertiary intrapallial population (mesopallium); and 4) a quaternary output population (the arcopallium). Each population contributes portions to columns that control different sensory or motor systems. We suggest that this organization of cell groups forms by expansion of contiguous developmental cell domains that wrap around the lateral ventricle and its extension through the middle of the mesopallium. We believe that the position of the lateral ventricle and its associated mesopallium lamina has resulted in a conceptual barrier to recognizing related cell groups across its border, thereby confounding our understanding of homologies with mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich D Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
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32
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Karim MR, Saito S, Atoji Y. Distribution of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 in auditory and song control brain regions in the adult zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2129-51. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rabiul Karim
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science; United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University; Gifu 501-1193 Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Histology; Bangladesh Agricultural University; Mymensingh 2202 Bangladesh
| | - Shouichiro Saito
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences; Gifu University; Gifu 501-1193 Japan
| | - Yasuro Atoji
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences; Gifu University; Gifu 501-1193 Japan
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33
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Chen JR, Stepanek L, Doupe AJ. Differential contributions of basal ganglia and thalamus to song initiation, tempo, and structure. J Neurophysiol 2013; 111:248-57. [PMID: 24174647 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00584.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits are multistage loops critical to motor behavior, but the contributions of individual components to overall circuit function remain unclear. We addressed these issues in a songbird basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuit (the anterior forebrain pathway, AFP) specialized for singing and critical for vocal plasticity. The major known afferent to the AFP is the premotor cortical nucleus, HVC. Surprisingly, previous studies found that lesions of HVC alter song but do not eliminate the ability of the AFP to drive song production. We therefore used this AFP-driven song to investigate the role of basal ganglia and thalamus in vocal structure, tempo, and initiation. We found that lesions of the striatopallidal component (Area X) slowed song and simplified its acoustic structure. Elimination of the thalamic component (DLM) further simplified the acoustic structure of song and regularized its rhythm but also dramatically reduced song production. The acoustic structure changes imply that sequential stages of the AFP each add complexity to song, but the effects of DLM lesions on song initiation suggest that thalamus is a locus of additional inputs important to initiation. Together, our results highlight the cumulative contribution of stages of a basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuit to motor output along with distinct involvement of thalamus in song initiation or "gating."
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Chen
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, California
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34
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Rudimentary substrates for vocal learning in a suboscine. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2082. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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35
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Wada K, Hayase S, Imai R, Mori C, Kobayashi M, Liu WC, Takahasi M, Okanoya K. Differential androgen receptor expression and DNA methylation state in striatum song nucleus Area X between wild and domesticated songbird strains. Eur J Neurosci 2013; 38:2600-10. [PMID: 23701473 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In songbirds, a specialized neural system, the song system, is responsible for acquisition and expression of species-specific vocal patterns. We report evidence for differential gene expression between wild and domesticated strains having different learned vocal phenotypes. A domesticated strain of the wild white-rumped munia, the Bengalese finch, has a distinct song pattern with a more complicated syntax than the wild strain. We identified differential androgen receptor (AR) expression in basal ganglia nucleus Area X GABAergic neurons between the two strains, and within different domesticated populations. Differences in AR expression were correlated with the mean coefficient of variation of the inter-syllable duration in the two strains. Differential AR expression in Area X was observed before the initiation of singing, suggesting that inherited and/or early developmental mechanisms may affect expression within and between strains. However, there were no distinct differences in regions upstream of the AR start codon among all the birds in the study. In contrast, an epigenetic modification, DNA methylation state in regions upstream of AR in Area X, was observed to differ between strains and within domesticated populations. These results provide insight into the molecular basis of behavioral evolution through the regulation of hormone-related genes and demonstrate the potential association between epigenetic modifications and behavioral phenotype regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Wada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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36
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Petkov CI, Jarvis ED. Birds, primates, and spoken language origins: behavioral phenotypes and neurobiological substrates. FRONTIERS IN EVOLUTIONARY NEUROSCIENCE 2012; 4:12. [PMID: 22912615 PMCID: PMC3419981 DOI: 10.3389/fnevo.2012.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Vocal learners such as humans and songbirds can learn to produce elaborate patterns of structurally organized vocalizations, whereas many other vertebrates such as non-human primates and most other bird groups either cannot or do so to a very limited degree. To explain the similarities among humans and vocal-learning birds and the differences with other species, various theories have been proposed. One set of theories are motor theories, which underscore the role of the motor system as an evolutionary substrate for vocal production learning. For instance, the motor theory of speech and song perception proposes enhanced auditory perceptual learning of speech in humans and song in birds, which suggests a considerable level of neurobiological specialization. Another, a motor theory of vocal learning origin, proposes that the brain pathways that control the learning and production of song and speech were derived from adjacent motor brain pathways. Another set of theories are cognitive theories, which address the interface between cognition and the auditory-vocal domains to support language learning in humans. Here we critically review the behavioral and neurobiological evidence for parallels and differences between the so-called vocal learners and vocal non-learners in the context of motor and cognitive theories. In doing so, we note that behaviorally vocal-production learning abilities are more distributed than categorical, as are the auditory-learning abilities of animals. We propose testable hypotheses on the extent of the specializations and cross-species correspondences suggested by motor and cognitive theories. We believe that determining how spoken language evolved is likely to become clearer with concerted efforts in testing comparative data from many non-human animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher I. Petkov
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Centre for Behavior and Evolution, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Erich D. Jarvis
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke UniversityDurham, NC, USA
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