GSK-3 beta inhibition Affects Singing Behavior and Neurogenesis in Adult Songbirds

摘要

GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) is a serine/threonine kinase which is a critical regulator in neuronal signaling, cognition, and behavior. We have previously shown that unlike other vertebrates that harbor both a and beta GSK-3 genes, the a gene is missing in birds. Therefore, birds can be used as a new animal model to study the roles of GSK-3 beta in behavior and in regulating adult neurogenesis. In the present study, we inhibited GSK-3 beta in brains of adult male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and accordingly investigated how this inhibition affects behavior and cell proliferation. Our results show that GSK-3 inhibition: (1) affects specific aspects of singing behavior, which might be related to social interactions in birds, and (2) differentially affects cell proliferation in various parts of the ventricular zone. Taken together, our study demonstrates a role of GSK-3 beta in regulating singing behavior and neuronal proliferation in birds and highlights the importance of GSK-3 beta in modulating cognitive abilities as well as social behavior.

关键词