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Fast retrograde access to projection neuron circuits underlying vocal learning in songbirds

Authors :
Manfred Gahr
Falk Dittrich
JC Paterna
Benjamin Ehret
Rhr Hahnloser
Roman Boehringer
Benjamin F. Grewe
Robert Kasper
M Rauch
Chihiro Mori
Rocha
Kazuo Okanoya
Ryosuke O. Tachibana
Daniel Normen Düring
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2020.

Abstract

SummaryUnderstanding the structure and function of neural circuits underlying speech and language is a vital step towards better treatments for diseases of these systems. Songbirds, among the few animal orders that share with humans the ability to learn vocalizations from a conspecific, have provided many insights into the neural mechanisms of vocal development. However, research into vocal learning circuits has been hindered by a lack of tools for rapid genetic targeting of specific neuron populations to meet the quick pace of developmental learning. Here, we present a new viral tool that enables fast and efficient retrograde access to projection neuron populations. In zebra finches, Bengalese finches, canaries, and mice, we demonstrate fast retrograde labeling of cortical or dopaminergic neurons. We further demonstrate the suitability of our construct for detailed morphological analysis, for in vivo imaging of calcium activity, and for multicolor brainbow labeling.

Details

Database :
OpenAIRE
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....69b2a56b1f29e14c7e5d42b58fdbab0f
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.19.955773