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Transitioning between preparatory and precisely sequenced neuronal activity in production of a skilled behavior
Vamsi K Daliparthi1, Ryosuke O Tachibana2,3, Brenton G Cooper4
1Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.
Elife
|June 12, 2019
Summary
Researchers identified specific HVC premotor neuron populations that initiate and terminate neural sequences for learned song production in songbirds. This reveals population mechanisms for transitioning to vocal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Precise neural sequences are crucial for skilled behaviors, but their origin remains poorly understood.
- In songbirds, HVC premotor neurons are essential for learned song production and show sequential activity during singing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify neural populations responsible for initiating and terminating singing-related neural sequences.
- To understand the transition from preparatory activity to precise neural sequences during vocalization.
Main Methods:
- Cell-type specific calcium imaging in songbirds.
- Recording from HVC premotor neurons, downstream premotor neurons, and the respiratory system.
Main Results:
- Identified HVC premotor neuron populations that bookend singing-related neural sequences.
- Characterized neurons transitioning from sparse pre-song activity to precise sequences during singing.
- Pre-song activity in downstream neurons or the respiratory system may indicate motor preparation.
Conclusions:
- Precise neural sequences for learned behaviors emerge from orchestrated activity across diverse cortical premotor neuron populations.
- These findings elucidate population mechanisms for transitioning between non-vocal and vocal behavioral states.
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