Singing-driven gene expression in the developing songbird brain.
Neural and behavioral development arises from an integration of genetic and environmental influences, yet specifying the nature of this interaction remains a primary problem in neuroscience. Here, we review molecular and behavioral studies that focus on the role of singing-driven gene expression during neural and vocal development in the male zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), a songbird that learns a species-typical vocal pattern during juvenile development by imitating an adult male tutor. A primary aim of our lab has been to identify naturally-occurring environmental influences that shape the propensity to sing. This ethological approach underlies our theoretical perspective, which is to integrate the significance of singing-driven gene expression into a broader ecological context.
Johnson
Frank
F
Program in Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1270, USA. johnson@psy.fsu.edu
Whitney
Osceola
O
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology*; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D012737:Sex Factors; D020308:Songbirds / Q000502:physiology; D014828:Vocalization, Animal / Q000502:physiology*
D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins