Birds sing different songs for each species, depending on their natural genetic information.However, it is not clear what kind of genetic information mutation occurred in the process of speciation, and different songs were sung among the species.

　Using zebra finch and double-barred finch, which have significantly different song songs despite their close relatives, the researchers aim to elucidate mutations in the gene readout method (gene expression control) until a species-specific song pattern is born. I conducted research.By measuring the "amount of genes read out" in the brains of zebra finch and double-barred finch, and by measuring the "reading ratio of loci derived from zebra finch and double-barred finch" in the two hybrid individuals. , It is said that mutations related to gene reading can be found.

　As a result, it was found that about 800 genes have mutations related to reading in the singing nucleus, which is an important brain region for twitter vocalization.This is about 10% of the genes read out in the brain, and in particular, "trans mutations" that change the properties of factors involved in gene read-out regulation have many effects on genes involved in neural function. I understand.

　We also identified BDNF, known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, as a factor involved in reading regulation that differs between zebra finch and double-barred finch.It was shown that when a BDNF agonist was actually administered to a zebra finch, the way the trans-mutated genes were read out changed, and the continuously administered zebra finch began to sing an abnormal song that was different from the original song pattern. rice field.

　This result can be said to be the first step in research to clarify how different behaviors have evolved depending on the animal species, not limited to the songs of small birds.

Paper information:[PLoS Biology] Transcriptional regulatory divergence underpinning species-specific learned vocalization in songbirds