Protecting Neural Circuitry Underlying Memory-Dependent Learned Behavior
Grant
Overview
abstract
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Skills are valuable because their acquisition requires investment of time and energy in repetitive practice. Some are learned well only during early developmental periods (e.g. speaking a new language) and are difficult or impossible to remaster when learning begins after childhood. Because of this, adult loss of skills following disease or injury can be tragic, and often are the irreplaceable product of a lifetime of effort and experience. Despite clear importance of interventions that protect or promote recovery of learned motor skills, few exist, likely due to few animal models suitable to their development. We have used songbirds, zebra finches, because song is a complex behavior, learned during development, that is dependent upon establishment of neural circuits similar to those controlling human speech. We have found that a seizure treatment improves song recovery following damage to vocal motor cortex. This protection is associated with anti-inflammatory activity. The hypothesis we will now test is by modulating neuroinflammation we can protect and promote preservation of circuits and synapses established during learning that are necessary to the maintenance of a complex vocal-motor skill. Results will inform approaches to what is currently impossible: protecting and promoting recovery of skills following injury and neurodegeneration.
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