Biology and MB&B

Graduate Student Career Retreat 2008

Name:  Shannon Liu

   Lab:  John Kirn [Biology]

 Abstract

Topic: Neurogenesis

In the adult zebra finch, neurons are added to circuits that control song learning and production. Most neurons added to HVC become projection neurons in the efferent pathway for song control. In contrast, Area X part of a basal ganglia-like pathway, receive interneurons exclusively. Although much is known about the anatomical incorporation of new neurons to these regions and the types of experience that can affect their survival, essentially nothing is known about the activity of adult-formed cells in awake, unrestrained birds. The immediate early gene ZENK is activated selectively in HVC and Area X by singing even in deaf birds suggesting that it reflects song-related motor activity. By using ZENK expression in the brain of the adult zebra finch, here we show that adult-formed cells first become active as early as 7 days after their formation. Their activity is related to singing but the song-related ZENK expression emerges earlier for adult-formed neurons in HVC than for adult-formed Area X neurons. Also, adult-formed neurons express ZENK at higher levels when compared to the general population of HVC and Area X neurons. Preferential activation of new neurons suggests that they play an important role in song production, song maintenance, or both.