Molecular Analysis of Neural Structures During Song Learning in the Zebra Finch
Siepka, Sandra Marie
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/86720
Description
Title
Molecular Analysis of Neural Structures During Song Learning in the Zebra Finch
Author(s)
Siepka, Sandra Marie
Issue Date
1997
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
David Forrest Clayton
Department of Study
Microbiology
Discipline
Microbiology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Date of Ingest
2015-09-28T15:17:37Z
Keyword(s)
Biology, Molecular
Language
eng
Abstract
The telencephalic pathway responsible for song learning and production in the male zebra finch is completed during adolescence. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of this song circuit are virtually unknown. Before we can understand and describe the molecular mechanisms governing the song circuit, however, we must first identify the key molecular components. Here I have identified two neural structural proteins, the medium subunit of neurofilament and myelin basic protein, as being important in the formation and completion of the motor path for song production. Transcripts coding for neurofilament are not developmentally regulated within the song circuit, yet neurofilament immunoreactivity changes abruptly in nucleus RA during the formation of the HVC to RA connection in motor path for song production. The timing of this event suggests that changes in neurofilament structure marks the ingrowth of axons from HVC into RA. I used differential display PCR to identify myelin basic protein as another structural molecule which is developmentally regulated in the song circuit. Using a combination of in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, I showed that the protein abruptly accumulates along the HVC to RA fiber tract during the last stages of song learning when song becomes less plastic and crystallizes. Both the medium subunit of neurofilament and myelin basic protein undergo major changes in organization within the developing song circuit that appear to consist primarily of changes in cell structure and localization as opposed to gene regulation.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
