Vocal learning-associated convergent evolution in mammalian proteins and regulatory elements.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Neuroscience
• Genomics

Background:

• Vocal learning, the ability to learn and produce novel sounds, has evolved independently multiple times in vertebrates.
• Understanding the genetic underpinnings of vocal learning in mammals is crucial for insights into its evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify brain genomic elements associated with mammalian vocal learning.
• To investigate the role of cis-regulatory elements in the evolution of vocal learning.

Main Methods:

• Integrated genomic, anatomical, and neurophysiological data from the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
• Analyzed genomes of 215 placental mammals.
• Used machine learning on motor cortex open chromatin data to identify enhancers.

Main Results:

• Identified proteins evolving more slowly in vocal learners.
• Discovered a vocal motor cortical region in the Egyptian fruit bat.
• Found 50 enhancers robustly associated with vocal learning, showing lower activity in vocal learners.

Conclusions:

• Convergent losses of motor cortex regulatory elements are implicated in mammalian vocal learning evolution.
• Specific enhancers in the motor cortex are key genomic elements associated with vocal learning.