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Exploring the Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata as a Novel Animal Model for the Speech–Language Deficit of Fragile X Syndrome

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Modeling Fragile X Syndrome

Part of the book series: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation ((RESULTS,volume 54))

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and presents with markedly atypical speech–language, likely due to impaired vocal learning. Although current models have been useful for studies of some aspects of FXS, zebra finch is the only tractable lab model for vocal learning. The neural circuits for vocal learning in the zebra finch have clear relationships to the pathways in the human brain that may be affected in FXS. Further, finch vocal learning may be quantified using software designed specifically for this purpose. Knockdown of the zebra finch FMR1 gene may ultimately enable novel tests of therapies that are modality-specific, using drugs or even social strategies, to ameliorate deficits in vocal development and function. In this chapter, we describe the utility of the zebra finch model and present a hypothesis for the role of FMRP in the developing neural circuitry for vocalization.

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Acknowledgement

This work was supported in part by Public Health Service grant HD41591 from NICHD, the FRAXA foundation and the Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation of the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District of Kiwanis International to S. Ceman. C.Winograd was supported by the CMB training grant and a Neuroscience Program fellowship.

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  1. Program in Neuroscience, Medical Scholars Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA

    Claudia Winograd

  2. Program in Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B107 CLSL, MC-123, 601 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA

    Stephanie Ceman

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Correspondence to Stephanie Ceman .

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  1. New York State Institute for Basic Resea, Forest Hill Road 1050, Staten Island, 10314, USA

    Robert B. Denman

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Winograd, C., Ceman, S. (2012). Exploring the Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata as a Novel Animal Model for the Speech–Language Deficit of Fragile X Syndrome. In: Denman, R. (eds) Modeling Fragile X Syndrome. Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, vol 54. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-21649-7_10

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