Neural Computations Underlying Vocal Sensorimotor Transformations

项目概要/摘要 本研究旨在探讨动物行为学相关的感觉运动的回路机制 转型具体来说，我们描述了歌唱中快速发声交流的神经基础。 小鼠（Scotinomys teguina），一种能发出声音的新热带啮齿动物， 刻板的歌对S。teguina经常精确地协调它们发声的时间， 被称为唱反调。在初步工作中，我们发现了一个短潜伏期的途径，从口面区域， 运动皮层与发声肌肉的联系在本提案中，我们将检验以下假设： 运动皮层的神经动力学，在选择性声音线索的引导下，可以修改下游的歌曲 生产电路，以实现跨个人的快速语音通信。通过这些研究，我们将 执行电路机制的第一个表征，在一个快速的声音交换 哺乳动物模型系统。 在目标1中，我们将描述歌曲的声学方面，引起反唱行为。我们将 检查对一系列自然和合成感官刺激的回放的反应，以测试感知 导致声音反应的边界和因素。 在目标2中，我们将使用几种互补的扰动来解决运动皮层对声乐的作用。 制作和对位协调。 在目标3中，我们将使用群体记录来检查皮质神经群体的反应 在声音的感知和产生过程中。然后，我们将描述更广泛的神经回路， 通过发现上游和下游突触伴侣来对抗歌唱。

Project Summary/Abstract This project aims to investigate the circuit mechanisms enabling an ethologically relevant sensorimotor transformation. Specifically, we characterize the neural basis for rapid vocal exchanges in the singing mouse (Scotinomys teguina), a highly vocal neotropical rodent species capable of producing an audible, stereotyped song. Pairs of S. teguina often precisely coordinate the timing of their vocalizations in a process known as countersinging. In preliminary work, we revealed a short-latency pathway from an orofacial region of motor cortex to the muscles involved in vocal production. In this proposal, we will test the hypothesis that neural dynamics in motor cortex, guided by selective acoustic cues, can modify downstream song production circuits to enable rapid vocal communication across individuals. From these studies, we will perform the first characterization of the circuit mechanisms underlying rapid vocal exchanges in a mammalian model system. In Aim 1, we will characterize the acoustic aspects of song that elicit countersinging behavior. We will examine responses to the playback of a range of natural and synthetic sensory stimuli to test perceptual boundaries and factors leading to vocal responsiveness. In Aim 2, we will use several complementary perturbations to address the role of motor cortex on vocal production and countersinging coordination. In Aim 3, we will use population recordings to examine the responses of cortical neural populations during vocal perception and production. We will then characterize the broader neural circuitry leading to countersinging by uncovering both upstream and downstream synaptic partners.