Neural Computations Underlying Vocal Sensorimotor Transformations

项目摘要/摘要 本项目旨在研究一种与行为学相关的感觉运动的回路机制。 转型。具体地说，我们描述了歌唱中快速发声的神经基础。 老鼠(Scotinomys Teguina)，一种声音很大的新热带啮齿动物，能够发出声音， 刻板印象的歌曲。在一个发声过程中，一对特吉纳人经常精确地协调它们发声的时间 这就是所谓的对唱。在前期工作中，我们揭示了口腔面部区域的一条短潜伏期路径。 运动皮质到参与发声的肌肉。在这个提案中，我们将检验假设 在选择性声学提示的引导下，运动皮质的神经动力学可以改变下游的歌声 生产电路，以实现跨个人的快速语音通信。从这些研究中，我们将 对快速发声交换背后的电路机制进行首次表征 哺乳动物模型系统。 在目标1中，我们将描述歌曲引发反唱行为的声学特征。我们会 检查对一系列自然和合成感觉刺激回放的反应，以测试知觉 导致发声反应的界限和因素。 在目标2中，我们将使用几个互补的扰动来解决运动皮质在发声中的作用 制作和演唱的协调。 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电路的特征 通过发现上游和下游突触伙伴来对抗歌唱。

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.