Striatal FoxP2 is actively regulated during songbird sensorimotor learning

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Mutations in the FOXP2 gene are linked to developmental language disorders.
• These disorders are associated with structural abnormalities in cortico-striatal circuits.
• FoxP2 expression patterns in humans and songbirds suggest conserved functions in vocal learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of FoxP2 in the post-organizational function of song circuits in zebra finches.
• To determine if auditory feedback influences FoxP2 expression during vocal learning.

Main Methods:

• Zebra finches were deafened before or during the sensorimotor phase of song learning.
• FoxP2 expression levels in the striatal song nucleus (area X) were measured.
• Singing behavior was monitored and correlated with FoxP2 levels.

Main Results:

• Deafening did not affect basal FoxP2 levels, though juvenile songs were abnormal.
• FoxP2 was acutely down-regulated in area X after singing in both hearing and deaf birds.
• FoxP2 levels correlated with singing duration only in hearing birds.

Conclusions:

• Auditory feedback appears to link FoxP2 levels to vocal practice duration.
• Behavior-driven reductions in FoxP2 mRNA may influence downstream molecules for vocal exploration.
• These findings highlight FoxP2's role in the ongoing regulation of vocal learning.