Exploring the molecular basis of neuronal excitability in a vocal learner

BMC Genomics
Samantha R FriedrichClaudio V Mello

Abstract

Vocal learning, the ability to learn to produce vocalizations through imitation, relies on specialized brain circuitry known in songbirds as the song system. While the connectivity and various physiological properties of this system have been characterized, the molecular genetic basis of neuronal excitability in song nuclei remains understudied. We have focused our efforts on examining voltage-gated ion channels to gain insight into electrophysiological and functional features of vocal nuclei. A previous investigation of potassium channel genes in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) revealed evolutionary modifications unique to songbirds, as well as transcriptional specializations in the song system [Lovell PV, Carleton JB, Mello CV. BMC Genomics 14:470 2013]. Here, we expand this approach to sodium, calcium, and chloride channels along with their modulatory subunits using comparative genomics and gene expression analysis encompassing microarrays and in situ hybridization. We found 23 sodium, 38 calcium, and 33 chloride channel genes (HGNC-based classification) in the zebra finch genome, several of which were previously unannotated. We determined 15 genes are missing relative to mammals, including several genes (CLCAs, BEST2) l...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 11, 2020·The Journal of Comparative Neurology·Peter V LovellClaudio V Mello
Nov 1, 2020·Scientific Reports·Alexander A NevueClaudio V Mello
Nov 21, 2021·Nature Communications·Benjamin M ZemelHenrique von Gersdorff

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
PCR
laser capture microscopy

Software Mentioned

ZEBrA
BLASTing
BLAST
Zebra Finch Brain Expression Atlas
LMAN
BLAT
Excel
UCSC Browser
UCSC Browser BLAT
taeGut1

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