Epigenetics regulation for vocal learning in songbirds

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25290063
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Genome biology
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Wada Kazuhiro 北海道大学, 理学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (70451408)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): OKADO HARUO 東京都医学総合研究所, 神経細胞分化, 副参事研究員 (60221842) ; MINETA KATSUHIKO 北海道大学, 情報科学研究科, 准教授 (40374615)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 発声学習 / 学習臨界期 / ソングバード / 自発的行動 / 自発的学習 / 遺伝子発現制御

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Birdsong, like human speech, is acquired through vocal learning during a critical period. However, the neural mechanisms regulating the vocal learning period remain elusive. Here we show that the zebra finch generated highly plastic song even as adult, caused by inhibition of vocal practice during the critical period. This preserved vocal plasticity was accompanied by juvenile-like intense induction of singing activity-driven genes in the projection neurons of a telencephalic output nucleus of vocal motor circuit. Strikingly, singing-inhibited birds normally learned tutor song at adulthood, although they had similar expression of age-dependent genes as intact adults. These results indicate that the vocal learning period is age-independently modulated by the inducibility of activity-driven genes for modifying of synaptic plasticity to reduce vocal variability.

Free Research Field

行動神経科学