1
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Lipshutz SE, Howell CR, Buechlein AM, Rusch DB, Rosvall KA, Derryberry EP. How thermal challenges change gene regulation in the songbird brain and gonad: implications for sexual selection in our changing world. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3613-3626. [PMID: 35567363 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a rapidly warming world, exposure to high temperatures may impact fitness, but the gene regulatory mechanisms that link sublethal heat to sexually selected traits are not well understood, particularly in endothermic animals. Our experiment used zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), songbirds that experience extreme temperature fluctuations in their native Australia. We exposed captive males to an acute thermal challenge (43°C) compared with thermoneutral (35°C) and lower (27°C) temperatures. We found significantly more heat dissipation behaviors at 43°C, a temperature previously shown to reduce song production and fertility, and more heat retention behaviors at 27°C. Next, we characterized transcriptomic responses in tissues important for mating effort - the posterior telencephalon, for its role in song production, and the testis, for its role in fertility and hormone production. Differential expression of hundreds of genes in the testes, but few in the brain, suggest the brain is less responsive to extreme temperatures. Nevertheless, gene network analyses revealed that expression related to dopaminergic signaling in the brain co-varied with heat dissipation behaviors, providing a mechanism by which temporary thermal challenges may alter motivational circuits for song production. In both brain and testis, we observed correlations between thermally sensitive gene networks and individual differences in thermoregulatory behavior. Although we cannot directly relate these gene regulatory changes to mating success, our results suggest that individual variation in response to thermal challenges could impact sexually selected traits in a warming world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Lipshutz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Clara R Howell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.,Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aaron M Buechlein
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth P Derryberry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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2
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The Role of Carcinogenesis-Related Biomarkers in the Wnt Pathway and Their Effects on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030555. [PMID: 32121061 PMCID: PMC7139589 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) can develop from potentially malignant disorders (PMDs), it is critical to develop methods for early detection to improve the prognosis of patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role during tumor progression and metastasis. The Wnt signaling pathway is an intercellular pathway in animals that also plays a fundamental role in cell proliferation and regeneration, and in the function of many cell or tissue types. Specific components of master regulators such as epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), Vimentin, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), Snail, and neural cadherin (N-cadherin), which are known to control the EMT process, have also been implicated in the Wnt cascade. Here, we review recent findings on the Wnt signaling pathway and the expression mechanism. These regulators are known to play roles in EMT and tumor progression, especially in OSCC. Characterizing the mechanisms through which both EMT and the Wnt pathway play a role in these cellular pathways could increase our understanding of the tumor genesis process and may allow for the development of improved therapeutics for OSCC.
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3
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Lovell PV, Huizinga NA, Friedrich SR, Wirthlin M, Mello CV. The constitutive differential transcriptome of a brain circuit for vocal learning. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:231. [PMID: 29614959 PMCID: PMC5883274 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4578-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ability to imitate the vocalizations of other organisms, a trait known as vocal learning, is shared by only a few organisms, including humans, where it subserves the acquisition of speech and language, and 3 groups of birds. In songbirds, vocal learning requires the coordinated activity of a set of specialized brain nuclei referred to as the song control system. Recent efforts have revealed some of the genes that are expressed in these vocal nuclei, however a thorough characterization of the transcriptional specializations of this system is still missing. We conducted a rigorous and comprehensive analysis of microarrays, and conducted a separate analysis of 380 genes by in situ hybridizations in order to identify molecular specializations of the major nuclei of the song system of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), a songbird species. Results Our efforts identified more than 3300 genes that are differentially regulated in one or more vocal nuclei of adult male birds compared to the adjacent brain regions. Bioinformatics analyses provided insights into the possible involvement of these genes in molecular pathways such as cellular morphogenesis, intrinsic cellular excitability, neurotransmission and neuromodulation, axonal guidance and cela-to-cell interactions, and cell survival, which are known to strongly influence the functional properties of the song system. Moreover, an in-depth analysis of specific gene families with known involvement in regulating the development and physiological properties of neuronal circuits provides further insights into possible modulators of the song system. Conclusion Our study represents one of the most comprehensive molecular characterizations of a brain circuit that evolved to facilitate a learned behavior in a vertebrate. The data provide novel insights into possible molecular determinants of the functional properties of the song control circuitry. It also provides lists of compelling targets for pharmacological and genetic manipulations to elucidate the molecular regulation of song behavior and vocal learning. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4578-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Lovell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nicole A Huizinga
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Samantha R Friedrich
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Morgan Wirthlin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR, USA.,Current affiliation: Computational Biology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Claudio V Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd L470, Portland, OR, USA.
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4
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Heston JB, White SA. To transduce a zebra finch: interrogating behavioral mechanisms in a model system for speech. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 203:691-706. [PMID: 28271185 PMCID: PMC5589492 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The ability to alter neuronal gene expression, either to affect levels of endogenous molecules or to express exogenous ones, is a powerful tool for linking brain and behavior. Scientists continue to finesse genetic manipulation in mice. Yet mice do not exhibit every behavior of interest. For example, Mus musculus do not readily imitate sounds, a trait known as vocal learning and a feature of speech. In contrast, thousands of bird species exhibit this ability. The circuits and underlying molecular mechanisms appear similar between disparate avian orders and are shared with humans. An advantage of studying vocal learning birds is that the neurons dedicated to this trait are nested within the surrounding brain regions, providing anatomical targets for relating brain and behavior. In songbirds, these nuclei are known as the song control system. Molecular function can be interrogated in non-traditional model organisms by exploiting the ability of viruses to insert genetic material into neurons to drive expression of experimenter-defined genes. To date, the use of viruses in the song control system is limited. Here, we review prior successes and test additional viruses for their capacity to transduce basal ganglia song control neurons. These findings provide a roadmap for troubleshooting the use of viruses in animal champions of fascinating behaviors—nowhere better featured than at the 12th International Congress!
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Heston
- Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Stephanie A White
- Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. .,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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5
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Tramacere A, Pievani T, Ferrari PF. Mirror neurons in the tree of life: mosaic evolution, plasticity and exaptation of sensorimotor matching responses. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1819-1841. [PMID: 27862868 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Considering the properties of mirror neurons (MNs) in terms of development and phylogeny, we offer a novel, unifying, and testable account of their evolution according to the available data and try to unify apparently discordant research, including the plasticity of MNs during development, their adaptive value and their phylogenetic relationships and continuity. We hypothesize that the MN system reflects a set of interrelated traits, each with an independent natural history due to unique selective pressures, and propose that there are at least three evolutionarily significant trends that gave raise to three subtypes: hand visuomotor, mouth visuomotor, and audio-vocal. Specifically, we put forward a mosaic evolution hypothesis, which posits that different types of MNs may have evolved at different rates within and among species. This evolutionary hypothesis represents an alternative to both adaptationist and associative models. Finally, the review offers a strong heuristic potential in predicting the circumstances under which specific variations and properties of MNs are expected. Such predictive value is critical to test new hypotheses about MN activity and its plastic changes, depending on the species, the neuroanatomical substrates, and the ecological niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Tramacere
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Parma, 43100, Italy.,Deutsche Primaten Zentrum - Lichtenberg-Kolleg, Institute for Advanced Study, 37083, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Telmo Pievani
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, 35131, Italy
| | - Pier F Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Parma, 43100, Italy.,Institut des Sciences Cognitives 'Marc Jeannerod', CNRS/Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 69675, Bron Cedex, France
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6
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Matsunaga E, Nambu S, Oka M, Iriki A. Complex and dynamic expression of cadherins in the embryonic marmoset cerebral cortex. Dev Growth Differ 2015; 57:474-483. [PMID: 26081465 PMCID: PMC4744772 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule widely expressed in the nervous system. Previously, we analyzed the expression of nine classic cadherins (Cdh4, Cdh6, Cdh7, Cdh8, Cdh9, Cdh10, Cdh11, Cdh12, and Cdh20) and T-cadherin (Cdh13) in the developing postnatal common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) brain, and found differential expressions between mice and marmosets. In this study, to explore primate-specific cadherin expression at the embryonic stage, we extensively analyzed the expression of these cadherins in the developing embryonic marmoset brain. Each cadherin showed differential spatial and temporal expression and exhibited temporally complicated expression. Furthermore, the expression of some cadherins differed from that in rodent brains, even at the embryonic stage. These results suggest the possibility that the differential expressions of diverse cadherins are involved in primate specific cortical development, from the prenatal to postnatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Matsunaga
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Sanae Nambu
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Mariko Oka
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iriki
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, 351-0198, Japan
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7
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Mori C, Wada K. Songbird: a unique animal model for studying the molecular basis of disorders of vocal development and communication. Exp Anim 2015; 64:221-30. [PMID: 25912323 PMCID: PMC4547995 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.15-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Like humans, songbirds are one of the few animal groups that learn vocalization. Vocal
learning requires coordination of auditory input and vocal output using auditory feedback
to guide one’s own vocalizations during a specific developmental stage known as the
critical period. Songbirds are good animal models for understand the neural basis of vocal
learning, a complex form of imitation, because they have many parallels to humans with
regard to the features of vocal behavior and neural circuits dedicated to vocal learning.
In this review, we will summarize the behavioral, neural, and genetic traits of birdsong.
We will also discuss how studies of birdsong can help us understand how the development of
neural circuits for vocal learning and production is driven by sensory input (auditory
information) and motor output (vocalization).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Mori
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Japan
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8
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Audition-independent vocal crystallization associated with intrinsic developmental gene expression dynamics. J Neurosci 2015; 35:878-89. [PMID: 25609608 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1804-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex learned behavior is influenced throughout development by both genetic and environmental factors. Birdsong, like human speech, is a complex vocal behavior acquired through sensorimotor learning and is based on coordinated auditory input and vocal output to mimic tutor song. Song is primarily learned during a specific developmental stage called the critical period. Although auditory input is crucial for acquiring complex vocal patterns, its exact role in neural circuit maturation for vocal learning and production is not well understood. Using audition-deprived songbirds, we examined whether auditory experience affects developmental gene expression in the major elements of neural circuits that mediate vocal learning and production. Compared with intact zebra finches, early-deafened zebra finches showed excessively delayed vocal development, but their songs eventually crystallized. In contrast to the different rates of song development between the intact and deafened birds, developmental gene expression in the motor circuit is conserved in an age-dependent manner from the juvenile stage until the older adult stage, even in the deafened birds, which indicates the audition-independent robustness of gene expression dynamics during development. Furthermore, even after adult deafening, which degrades crystallized song, the deteriorated songs ultimately restabilized at the same point when the early-deafened birds stabilized their songs. These results indicate a genetic program-associated inevitable termination of vocal plasticity that results in audition-independent vocal crystallization.
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9
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Matsunaga E, Nambu S, Oka M, Iriki A. Complementary and dynamic type II cadherin expression associated with development of the primate visual system. Dev Growth Differ 2014; 56:535-43. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Matsunaga
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development; RIKEN Brain Science Institute; Hirosawa 2-1 Wako 351-0198 Japan
| | - Sanae Nambu
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development; RIKEN Brain Science Institute; Hirosawa 2-1 Wako 351-0198 Japan
| | - Mariko Oka
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development; RIKEN Brain Science Institute; Hirosawa 2-1 Wako 351-0198 Japan
| | - Atsushi Iriki
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development; RIKEN Brain Science Institute; Hirosawa 2-1 Wako 351-0198 Japan
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10
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Matsunaga E, Okanoya K. Cadherins: potential regulators in the faculty of language. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 28:28-33. [PMID: 24988490 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The cadherin superfamily is a large (now more than 100 proteins) protein family originally identified as cell adhesion molecules. Each cadherin shows distinct expression patterns in the nervous system, and their expressions are both spatially and temporally regulated and diverse among different species. Mounting evidence has suggested that cadherins play multiple roles in neural development and functions. Recently, using songbirds and mice, the potential role of cadherins in vocal behavior has been demonstrated. Here, we will briefly introduce general function of cadherins, and analyze the potential involvement of cadherins in vocal behaviors and their evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Matsunaga
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan.
| | - Kazuo Okanoya
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan; ERATO Okanoya Emotional Information Project, JST-ERATO, Japan; Emotional Information Joint Research Laboratory, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan.
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11
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Abstract
Songbirds have unique value as a model for memory and learning. In their natural social life, they communicate through vocalizations that they must learn to produce and recognize. Song communication elicits abrupt changes in gene expression in regions of the forebrain responsible for song perception and production--what is the functional significance of this genomic response? For 20 years, the focus of research was on just a few genes [primarily ZENK, now known as egr1 (early gene response 1)]. Recently, however, DNA microarrays have been developed and applied to songbird behavioral research, and in 2010 the initial draft assembly of the zebra finch genome was published. Together, these new data reveal that the genomic involvement in song processing is far more complex than anticipated. The concepts of neurogenomic computation and biological embedding are introduced as frameworks for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Clayton
- Biological and Experimental Psychology Division, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom;
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12
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Semple-Rowland SL, Berry J. Use of lentiviral vectors to deliver and express bicistronic transgenes in developing chicken embryos. Methods 2013; 66:466-73. [PMID: 23816789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The abilities of lentiviral vectors to carry large transgenes (∼8kb) and to efficiently infect and integrate these genes into the genomes of both dividing and non-dividing cells make them ideal candidates for transport of genetic material into cells and tissues. Given the properties of these vectors, it is somewhat surprising that they have seen only limited use in studies of developing tissues and in particular of the developing nervous system. Over the past several years, we have taken advantage of the large capacity of these vectors to explore the expression characteristics of several dual promoter and 2A peptide bicistronic transgenes in developing chick neural retina, with the goal of identifying transgene designs that reliably express multiple proteins in infected cells. Here we summarize the activities of several of these transgenes in neural retina and provide detailed methodologies for packaging lentivirus and delivering the virus into the developing neural tubes of chicken embryos in ovo, procedures that have been optimized over the course of several years of use in our laboratory. Conditions to hatch injected embryos are also discussed. The chicken-specific techniques will be of highest interest to investigators using avian embryos, development and packaging of lentiviral vectors that reliably express multiple proteins in infected cells should be of interest to all investigators whose experiments demand manipulation and expression of multiple proteins in developing cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Semple-Rowland
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL 32610 0244, United States.
| | - Jonathan Berry
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL 32610 0244, United States.
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13
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Matsunaga E, Nambu S, Oka M, Okanoya K, Iriki A. Comparative analysis of protocadherin-11 X-linked expression among postnatal rodents, non-human primates, and songbirds suggests its possible involvement in brain evolution. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58840. [PMID: 23527036 PMCID: PMC3601081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Protocadherin-11 is a cell adhesion molecule of the cadherin superfamily. Since, only in humans, its paralog is found on the Y chromosome, it is expected that protocadherin-11X/Y plays some role in human brain evolution or sex differences. Recently, a genetic mutation of protocadherin-11X/Y was reported to be associated with a language development disorder. Here, we compared the expression of protocadherin-11 X-linked in developing postnatal brains of mouse (rodent) and common marmoset (non-human primate) to explore its possible involvement in mammalian brain evolution. We also investigated its expression in the Bengalese finch (songbird) to explore a possible function in animal vocalization and human language faculties. Methodology/Principal Findings Protocadherin-11 X-linked was strongly expressed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and brainstem. Comparative analysis between mice and marmosets revealed that in certain areas of marmoset brain, the expression was clearly enriched. In Bengalese finches, protocadherin-11 X-linked was expressed not only in nuclei of regions of the vocal production pathway and the tracheosyringeal hypoglossal nucleus, but also in areas homologous to the mammalian amygdala and hippocampus. In both marmosets and Bengalese finches, its expression in pallial vocal control areas was developmentally regulated, and no clear expression was seen in the dorsal striatum, indicating a similarity between songbirds and non-human primates. Conclusions/Significance Our results suggest that the enriched expression of protocadherin-11 X-linked is involved in primate brain evolution and that some similarity exists between songbirds and primates regarding the neural basis for vocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Matsunaga
- Laboratory for Symbolic Cognitive Development, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan.
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14
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Paulson AF, Prasad MS, Thuringer AH, Manzerra P. Regulation of cadherin expression in nervous system development. Cell Adh Migr 2013; 8:19-28. [PMID: 24526207 DOI: 10.4161/cam.27839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review addresses our current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms for classical cadherin expression during development of the vertebrate nervous system. The complexity of the spatial and temporal expression patterns is linked to morphogenic and functional roles in the developing nervous system. While the regulatory networks controlling cadherin expression are not well understood, it is likely that the multiple signaling pathways active in the development of particular domains also regulate the specific cadherins expressed at that time and location. With the growing understanding of the broader roles of cadherins in cell-cell adhesion and non-adhesion processes, it is important to understand both the upstream regulation of cadherin expression and the downstream effects of specific cadherins within their cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia F Paulson
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences; Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota; Vermillion, SD USA
| | - Maneeshi S Prasad
- Department of Molecular Biosciences; Northwestern University; Evanston, IL USA
| | | | - Pasquale Manzerra
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences; Sanford School of Medicine of The University of South Dakota; Vermillion, SD USA
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15
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Defects in ultrasonic vocalization of cadherin-6 knockout mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49233. [PMID: 23173049 PMCID: PMC3500271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although some molecules have been identified as responsible for human language disorders, there is still little information about what molecular mechanisms establish the faculty of human language. Since mice, like songbirds, produce complex ultrasonic vocalizations for intraspecific communication in several social contexts, they can be good mammalian models for studying the molecular basis of human language. Having found that cadherins are involved in the vocal development of the Bengalese finch, a songbird, we expected cadherins to also be involved in mouse vocalizations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To examine whether similar molecular mechanisms underlie the vocalizations of songbirds and mammals, we categorized behavioral deficits including vocalization in cadherin-6 knockout mice. Comparing the ultrasonic vocalizations of cadherin-6 knockout mice with those of wild-type controls, we found that the peak frequency and variations of syllables were differed between the mutant and wild-type mice in both pup-isolation and adult-courtship contexts. Vocalizations during male-male aggression behavior, in contrast, did not differ between mutant and wild-type mice. Open-field tests revealed differences in locomotors activity in both heterozygote and homozygote animals and no difference in anxiety behavior. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that cadherin-6 plays essential roles in locomotor activity and ultrasonic vocalization. These findings also support the idea that different species share some of the molecular mechanisms underlying vocal behavior.
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16
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Scharff C, Adam I. Neurogenetics of birdsong. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2012; 23:29-36. [PMID: 23102970 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Songbirds are a productive model organism to study the neural basis of auditory-guided vocal motor learning. Like human babies, juvenile songbirds learn many of their vocalizations by imitating an adult conspecific. This process is a product of genetic predispositions and the individual's life experience and has been investigated mainly by neuroanatomical, physiological and behavioral methods. Results have revealed general principles governing vertebrate motor behavior, sensitive periods, sexual dimorphism, social behavior regulation and adult neurogenesis. More recently, the emerging field of birdsong neurogenetics has advanced the way we think about genetic contributions to communication, mechanistically and conceptually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Scharff
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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