Work

Sexually dimorphic SCAMP1 expression in the forebrain motor pathway for song production of juvenile zebra finches

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Mechanisms regulating sexual differentiation of the zebra finch song system are not well understood. The present study was designed to more fully characterize secretory carrier membrane protein 1 (SCAMP1), which was identified in a cDNA microarray screen as showing increased expression in the forebrains of developing male compared with female zebra finches. We completed the sequence of the open reading frame and used in situ hybridization to compare mRNA in song control regions of juvenile (25-day-old) individuals. Expression was significantly greater in the HVC (used as a proper name) and robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) in males than in females. Immunohistochemistry revealed that SCAMP1 protein is also expressed in these two brain regions, and qualitatively appears greater in males. Western analysis confirmed that the protein is increased in the telencephalon of males when compared with females at 25 days of age. These results are consistent with the idea that SCAMP1 is involved in masculinization of these brain areas, perhaps facilitating the survival of cells within them.

Source: Developmental Neurobiology

DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20354

Authors: Yu Ping Tang, Camilla Peabody, Michelle L. Tomaszycki, Juli Wade

Institution: Michigan State University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior

Subfield: Developmental Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: Sex Differences in Brain and Behavior Development, Developmental Regulation of Brain and Behavior