Projektdetaljer
Beskrivelse
Fine motor skills, such as singing or playing an instrument, require precise neural control of the musculature that executes
the task. This high level of precision can only be acquired through extensive practice, while both the brain and the peripheral
musculature adapt to the task. Although the level of motor performance decreases when a skill is not used, once acquired,
previous levels of performance can be regained quickly with only little practice, a phenomenon called ‘savings’. It is unclear,
however, what mechanisms underlie savings, and where the information is stored that enables the quick retrieval of
previously learned skills.
To investigate these questions we propose to use our recently developed model system that allows us to experimentally
control the acquisition, discontinuation, and re-acquisition of vocal motor performance in songbirds. This novel model system
provides us with an excellent opportunity to untangle the contributions of the central nervous system and the peripheral
musculature involved in song production to the savings of vocal motor skills.
Using in vivo two-photon microscopy, we will study dynamic changes in the dendritic arborization of motor neurons in the
songbird brain during the development, discontinuation, and rapid retrieval of vocal motor performance. At these different
stages of skill utilization we will also investigate structural changes to the vocal organ with in vivo x-ray microtomography
(μCT) and quantify the mechanical performance of isolated muscle bundles in vitro afterwards. Together these approaches
will demonstrate whether modifications to the brain, the vocal musculature, or both, contribute to the savings of vocal motor
skills, and enhance our understanding of the neural and peripheral mechanisms that are responsible for memorization and
recall of motor skills.
the task. This high level of precision can only be acquired through extensive practice, while both the brain and the peripheral
musculature adapt to the task. Although the level of motor performance decreases when a skill is not used, once acquired,
previous levels of performance can be regained quickly with only little practice, a phenomenon called ‘savings’. It is unclear,
however, what mechanisms underlie savings, and where the information is stored that enables the quick retrieval of
previously learned skills.
To investigate these questions we propose to use our recently developed model system that allows us to experimentally
control the acquisition, discontinuation, and re-acquisition of vocal motor performance in songbirds. This novel model system
provides us with an excellent opportunity to untangle the contributions of the central nervous system and the peripheral
musculature involved in song production to the savings of vocal motor skills.
Using in vivo two-photon microscopy, we will study dynamic changes in the dendritic arborization of motor neurons in the
songbird brain during the development, discontinuation, and rapid retrieval of vocal motor performance. At these different
stages of skill utilization we will also investigate structural changes to the vocal organ with in vivo x-ray microtomography
(μCT) and quantify the mechanical performance of isolated muscle bundles in vitro afterwards. Together these approaches
will demonstrate whether modifications to the brain, the vocal musculature, or both, contribute to the savings of vocal motor
skills, and enhance our understanding of the neural and peripheral mechanisms that are responsible for memorization and
recall of motor skills.
| Status | Afsluttet |
|---|---|
| Effektiv start/slut dato | 01/01/2017 → 31/12/2018 |