Reinforcement Mechanisms for Learning Vocal Behaviors

项目摘要 通常认为皮质-基底神经节回路参与意志控制、启动和调节。 停止运动。基底神经节在学习和适应中的作用可能不太受重视 熟练的运动行为的改变。一个新的观点是，皮质基底神经节电路发挥了突出的作用， 通过帮助优化未来的表现，在熟练行为的试错学习中发挥作用。然而， 皮质-基底神经节回路在优化自然习得的熟练行为的表现方面仍然是 不太了解。为了更好地理解基底神经节在学习运动技能中的作用，我们将 将闭环光遗传学方法应用于研究脑中良好描绘的皮质-基底神经节通路， 鸣禽。斑胸草雀在发育和练习过程中学会发出复杂的求偶之歌 在成年期保持专业的歌唱能力。使用歌曲条件 （闭环）光遗传学抑制和兴奋这项研究将剖析纹状体的功能贡献， 在学习和维持歌曲的过程中，神经回路及其皮层和皮层下的输入。这项研究将 测试斑胸草雀发声纹状体的不同输入在学习中的功能， 基底神经节功能的模型，通过研究外部加强的行为， 实验室，承担学习自然产生熟练的运动行为。

Project Summary It is commonly appreciated that cortico-basal ganglia circuits are involved in the volitional control, initiation and cessation of movements. Perhaps less well appreciated is the role of the basal ganglia in learning and adaptive modification of skilled motor behaviors. An emerging view is that cortico-basal ganglia circuits play a prominent role in trial-and-error learning of skilled behaviors by helping to optimize future performances. Yet, the role of the cortico-basal ganglia circuits in optimizing the performance of naturally learned skilled behaviors is still poorly understood. To provide a better understanding of the basal ganglia's role in learning motor skills, we will apply closed-loop optogenetic methods in the study of a well delineated cortico-basal ganglia pathway in the songbird. Zebra finches learn to produce a complex courtship song during development and practice extensively to maintain expert performance of their song in adulthood. Using song-contingent (closed-loop) optogenetic inhibition and excitation this research will dissect the functional contribution of striatal circuits and their cortical and subcortical inputs during learning and maintenance of song. This research will test the function of different inputs to the zebra finch vocal striatum in learning and examine how prominent models of basal ganglia function, developed through the study of externally reinforced behaviors in the laboratory, bear on the learning of a naturally produced skilled motor behavior.