How Songs Change MicroRNAs in Zebra Finches
Author Information
Author(s): Preethi H Gunaratne, Ya-Chi Lin, Ashley L Benham, Jenny Drnevich, Cristian Coarfa, Jayantha B Tennakoon, Chad J Creighton, Jong H Kim, Aleksandar Milosavljevic, Michael Watson, Sam Griffiths-Jones, David F Clayton
Primary Institution: University of Houston
Hypothesis
MicroRNAs may participate in the changing pattern of gene expression induced by song exposure.
Conclusion
Hearing another bird sing alters the profile of microRNAs in the auditory forebrain of zebra finches.
Supporting Evidence
- 121 known miRNAs conserved in other vertebrates were identified.
- 34 novel miRNAs that do not align to human or chicken genomes were discovered.
- Five conserved miRNAs showed significant and consistent changes in copy number after song exposure.
Takeaway
When zebra finches listen to songs, it changes tiny molecules in their brains that help control how genes work.
Methodology
Massively parallel Illumina sequencing was used to analyze small RNAs from the auditory forebrain of adult zebra finches exposed to tape-recorded birdsong or silence.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the sex differences in responses to song exposure.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting miRNA expression, such as environmental factors.
Participant Demographics
36 adult zebra finches (equal numbers of males and females).
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.6E-27
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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