Animal Models of Speech and Vocal Communication Deficits Associated With Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Disruptions in speech, language and vocal communication are hallmarks of several neuropsychiatric disorders, most notably autism spectrum disorders. Historically, the use of animal models to dissect molecular pathways and connect them to behavioral endophenotypes in cognitive disorders has proven to be an effective approach for developing and testing disease-relevant therapeutics. The unique aspects of human language when compared to vocal behaviors in other animals make such an approach potentially more challenging. However, the study of vocal learning in species with analogous brain circuits to humans may provide entry points for understanding this human-specific phenotype and diseases. Here, we review animal models of vocal learning and vocal communication, and specifically link phenotypes of psychiatric disorders to relevant model systems. Evolutionary constraints in the organization of neural circuits and synaptic plasticity result in similarities in the brain mechanisms for vocal learning and vocal communication. Comparative approaches and careful consideration of the behavioral limitations among different animal models can provide critical avenues for dissecting the molecular pathways underlying cognitive disorders that disrupt speech, language and vocal communication.

Insights into the Neural and Genetic Basis of Vocal Communication

“…Genetic screens of individuals with inherited forms of speech disorders, like verbal dyspraxia, stuttering and some types of autism, have allowed for the identification of a number of genes ( FOXP2 , CNTNAP2 , FOXP1 , GNPTAB , GNPTG , NAGPA ) involved in speech and/or social-cognitive development that can now be studied using animal models (Konopka and Roberts, 2016; Lepp et al, 2013). Of these, the transcription factor FOXP2 has been the most intensively studied.…”

MUPET—Mouse Ultrasonic Profile ExTraction: A Signal Processing Tool for Rapid and Unsupervised Analysis of Ultrasonic Vocalizations

“…Auditory processing mechanisms for natural vocalizations also are broadly conserved across vocal learning and innate vocalizing species (Arriaga and Jarvis, 2013; Bennur et al, 2013; Woolley and Portfors, 2013). Studies of the underlying neurobiological basis and heritable nature of these mechanisms have identified promising genes and neural networks that support vocal production, auditory processing, and social communication (Arriaga et al, 2012; Konopka and Roberts, 2016). …”

“…Comparative analyses in mice serve as effective strategies to examine genetic and environmental factors that influence vocal communication (Fischer and Hammerschmidt, 2011; Konopka and Roberts, 2016). Mice generate complex multisyllabic ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs, >25 kHz) throughout development and in diverse social and motivational contexts (Chabout et al, 2015; Liu et al, 2003; Portfors, 2007; Sewell, 1970).…”

USVSEG: A robust segmentation of rodents’ ultrasonic vocalization

“…From those characteristics and functions, rodent's USV is expected to be a good window for sociality and communication studies. Mice USV has been used for studying disorders in social behavior, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorder [42][43][44][45]. Thanks to the recent genetic manipulation technique, USV analysis becomes more important to quantify social behavior of social disorder model mice.…”