Banca de DEFESA: ANDREA CAROLINE COSTA DE ARRUDA

Uma banca de DEFESA de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : ANDREA CAROLINE COSTA DE ARRUDA
DATE: 07/11/2022
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81682313106?pwd=cTJKdXQ2UXBlL3JQajR1blhwcytYUT09
TITLE:

ZENK regulates the vocal learning of Zebra Finch (Taenopygia gutatta)

KEY WORDS:

Zebra Finches, ZENK, Immediate early genes, vocal learning

PAGES: 105
BIG AREA: Ciências Biológicas
AREA: Fisiologia
SUMMARY:

Activity-dependent gene expression represents the link between neuronal  activity and memory formation. Among these genes, egr1 (a.k.a. zenk) was one of the  first examples of a behavioral-linked gene and has been associated with memory formation  in rodents. However, the role of zenk in vocal learning remains unknown. To  investigate the precise contribution of this gene for the acquisition and maintenance of  song memories in zebra finches (Taeniopigygia guttata), we developed a dominant  negative ZENK to manipulate the transcriptional activity of the endogenous protein.  Using this tool, we have found that normal ZENK activity is required for song development. Downregulation of ZENK transcriptional activity using an  alternative inhibitor, NAB1, confirms these results and provides support for the specificity  of our manipulation. Furthermore, our results shows that blocking ZENK consistently does not lead to alteration of innate components of singing, suggesting that this activity-dependent gene alters only learned behaviors. Our findings provide for the first time a  clear causal link between activity dependent genes and vocal learning.  More importantly, they represent one of the first steps towards understanding the molecular processes involved in the acquisition of vocal signals, a process that is also required for human speech.  

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - PATRICIA LOCOSQUE RAMOS - UFSCAR
Interno - 2394627 - EDUARDO BOUTH SEQUERRA
Interna - 1976236 - EMELIE KATARINA SVAHN LEAO
Presidente - 2183828 - TARCISO ANDRE FERREIRA VELHO
Externo à Instituição - WILFREDO BLANCO FIGUEROLA - UERN