Neural processing of acoustic signals in a model system: evolutionary changes in a conserved neural circuit

模型系统中声信号的神经处理：保守神经回路的进化变化

• 批准号: 7151-2006
• 负责人: Pollack, Gerald
• 金额: $ 3.57万
• 依托单位: McGill University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2006
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2006-01-01 至 2007-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=340357
• 关键词: Neural; processing; acoustic; signals; model

The behavior of animals is the product of their nervous systems. In insects, specific neurons and neural circuits have been shown to mediate specific behaviors. Yet behavior differs between individuals of a single species as well as between closely related species. An important issue in neuroethology is to understand how the operation of neural circuits differs between behaviorally different individuals. I propose to address this question using the acoustic behavior and neurobiology of crickets as a model system. Two features of acoustic signals, carrier frequency and the temporal pattern of amplitude modulation, form the basis for identifying sounds produced by predators (echolocating bats) and conspecifics. Several neurons, identifiable by anatomy and physiology as unique cells, are recognizable across individuals and across species and are implicated in behavioral responses to cricket songs and bat calls. I will use a comparative approach to identify those features of neural circuitry that are modified through evolution and/or through development to generate behavioral differences.

动物的行为是它们神经系统的产物。在昆虫中，特定的神经元和神经回路被证明可以调节特定的行为。然而，同一物种的个体之间以及近亲物种之间的行为是不同的。神经行为学的一个重要问题是了解行为不同的个体之间神经回路的运作是如何不同的。我建议用蟋蟀的声学行为和神经生物学作为模型系统来解决这个问题。声学信号的两个特征，载波频率和振幅调制的时间模式，构成了识别捕食者（回声定位蝙蝠）和同种动物发出的声音的基础。有几个神经元，在解剖学和生理学上被识别为独特的细胞，在个体和物种中都是可识别的，并且与对蟋蟀歌声和蝙蝠叫声的行为反应有关。我将使用比较的方法来识别那些通过进化和/或通过发展而产生行为差异的神经回路的特征。