2023 - Full Presentation Schedule
DNA Methylation of Genes Enriched in Cell Adhesion and Synaptic Plasticity is Correlated with the Habituation of Song Response in Zebra Finches
Abstract
The sound of birdsong playbacks can trigger both rapid and slow gene expression changes in the brain of songbirds like the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Previous research has shown that initial exposure to a novel song induces ZENK (ZIF-268, EGR1, NGFIA, KROX-24) and other mRNAs in the auditory forebrain.
With stimulus repetition, this initial response habituates, and a day later, a different gene expression profile has emerged compared to that found in untrained birds or ones hearing novel song playback for the first time. The underlying mechanisms that support lasting change in brain gene expression are not known, but DNA methylation of key genes involved in learning and memory is one promising candidate. Here we sought to identify genes that undergo concerted changes in both expression and DNA methylation evident a day after habituation training.
To do this, we compared high-throughput datasets for gene expression (DNA Microarray) and DNA methylation (Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing) in the zebra finch auditory forebrain. Our results reveal methylation changes in genes involved in cell adhesion and synaptic plasticity that may contribute to long-term memory in this model.
DNA Methylation of Genes Enriched in Cell Adhesion and Synaptic Plasticity is Correlated with the Habituation of Song Response in Zebra Finches
CASB 118 - Graduate Health Sciences
The sound of birdsong playbacks can trigger both rapid and slow gene expression changes in the brain of songbirds like the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Previous research has shown that initial exposure to a novel song induces ZENK (ZIF-268, EGR1, NGFIA, KROX-24) and other mRNAs in the auditory forebrain.
With stimulus repetition, this initial response habituates, and a day later, a different gene expression profile has emerged compared to that found in untrained birds or ones hearing novel song playback for the first time. The underlying mechanisms that support lasting change in brain gene expression are not known, but DNA methylation of key genes involved in learning and memory is one promising candidate. Here we sought to identify genes that undergo concerted changes in both expression and DNA methylation evident a day after habituation training.
To do this, we compared high-throughput datasets for gene expression (DNA Microarray) and DNA methylation (Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing) in the zebra finch auditory forebrain. Our results reveal methylation changes in genes involved in cell adhesion and synaptic plasticity that may contribute to long-term memory in this model.