Reinforcement Mechanisms for Learning Vocal Behaviors

项目摘要 一般认为，皮质-基底节环路参与了意志控制、起始和 停止行动。也许人们对基底神经节在学习和适应中的作用认识较少。 调整熟练的运动行为。一种新的观点认为，皮质-基底神经节环路在 通过帮助优化未来的表现，在熟练行为的试错式学习中发挥作用。然而，这一角色 皮质-基底节环路在优化自然习得的熟练行为中的作用仍然存在 人们对此知之甚少。为了更好地了解基底节在学习运动技能中的作用，我们将 应用闭合环光遗传学方法研究大脑皮质-基底神经节通路 歌鸟。斑马雀在发育和练习过程中学会发出复杂的求爱歌曲 广泛地保持他们的歌曲在成年后的专业表演。使用随唱随唱 (闭环)光发生抑制和兴奋本研究将剖析纹状体的功能贡献 在歌唱学习和维持过程中的回路及其皮层和皮质下的输入。这项研究将 测试不同输入对斑马雀声纹状体在学习中的作用，并检查有多显著 基底节功能模型，通过研究外在强化行为发展而来。 实验室里，熊的学习自然产生了熟练的运动行为。

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.