FoxP2 in songbirds

Next stop: Language. The ‘FOXP2’ gene’s journey through time

“…Moreover, experimental reduction of FoxP2 levels in this brain area lead to incomplete and inaccurate song imitation in zebra finches (Haesler et al, 2007). Follow up experiments by us and other researchers have identified factors that regulate FoxP2 expression and cellular/ behavioral consequences of its action (Condro & White, 2014;Wohlgemuth, Adam, & Scharff, 2014). These and other studies have firmly established that FoxP2 has two roles, one in neural development and an «on line» function in already developed neural circuits (Murugan, Harward, Scharff, & Mooney, 2013).…”

“…One popular theory, supported by many empirical findings, postulates that sensorymotor learning in this circuit relies on a neurochemical reward system (e.g., dopamine) ( Figure 4). Experimental evidence in mice and birds suggests that FoxP2 and its associated molecular network, including the two other neurally expressed FoxP proteins, FoxP1 and FoxP4, interact with dopamine signaling and regulate the strength of particular connections between particular sets of neurons, fine tuning sensory-motor integration (Wohlgemuth et al, 2014).…”

A Molecular Genetic Perspective on Speech and Language

“…A proper discussion of the many findings from this research area is beyond the scope of this chapter. The interested reader is referred to recent reviews (French & Fisher, 2014;Wohlgemuth, Adam, & Scharff, 2014). Here, a sample of the work is provided, focusing on two of the most extensively studied model systems: mice and (briefly) birds (Fisher & Scharff, 2009).…”

“…As with the mouse models, neural plasticity in striatal circuitry emerges as a common theme associated with this gene (Murugan et al, 2013;Schulz et al, 2010). There is insufficient space available in this chapter to give a full account of all the relevant songbird studies; for further information on this burgeoning area of work, the interested reader is referred to reviews by Bolhuis et al (2010), Petri (2011), andWohlgemuth et al (2014).…”

Insights into the Genetic Foundations of Human Communication

“…More relevant to speech are investigations of zebra finches, which have addressed potential contributions of FoxP2 (the songbird ortholog of human FOXP2) to vocal learning (Wohlgemuth et al 2014). In juvenile birds, FoxP2 levels are increased in Area X, a striatal nucleus involved in vocal learning, during the critical period for song-learning (Haesler et al 2004) and are downregulated when adult males are practising their songs without directing them to a female (Miller et al 2008;Teramitsu and White 2006;Teramitsu et al 2010).…”