Investigating Functions of Parallel Connections in the Zebra Finch Auditory Cortex for Memory Processing During Song Learning

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Research project is making strong progress and work to date has been presented at several international conferences in poster format and selection for oral presentation where it received positive feedback and constructive suggestions from the scientific community.We have fully optimised the Cfos TetON/OFF system and have shown reciprocal connections of tutor song responsive neurone between NCM and CMM - both areas of the higher auditory cortexconsidered to be essential for processing of auditory memories. We have also shown that tutor song responsive neurons and bird's own song responsive neurons are present in distinct, individual populations in both of these brain regions. We are further continuing with this work to assess their projections from the higher auditory cortex throughout the brain.In addition to this, and to provide a more detailed picture of subtle neuronal behaviours I am now continuing with more detailed experiments to further assess the role of the zebra finch higher auditory cortex in song learning using electrophysiology recording of individual neurons. To date I have optimised this setup and generated initial data which, in addition to the previously described anatomical data, was well received at an international meeting in November 2022.