Mapping the distribution of language related genes FoxP1, FoxP2, and CntnaP2 in the brains of vocal learning bat species. Issue 8 (28th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodenas‐Cuadrado, Pedro M.; Mengede, Janine; Baas, Laura; Devanna, Paolo; Schmid, Tobias A.; Yartsev, Michael; Firzlaff, Uwe; Vernes, Sonja C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of comparative neurology. Volume 526:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1235
• Page End: 1266
• Publication Date: 2018-02-28
• Subjects: bats -- CNTNAP2 -- FOXP1 -- FOXP2 -- language -- vocal learning; Comparative neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/cne.24385
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9967

Abstract

Abstract: Genes including FOXP2, FOXP1, and CNTNAP2, have been implicated in human speech and language phenotypes, pointing to a role in the development of normal language‐related circuitry in the brain. Although speech and language are unique to humans a comparative approach is possible by addressing language‐relevant traits in animal systems. One such trait, vocal learning, represents an essential component of human spoken language, and is shared by cetaceans, pinnipeds, elephants, some birds and bats. Given their vocal learning abilities, gregarious nature, and reliance on vocalizations for social communication and navigation, bats represent an intriguing mammalian system in which to explore language‐relevant genes. We used immunohistochemistry to detail the distribution of FoxP2, FoxP1, and Cntnap2 proteins, accompanied by detailed cytoarchitectural histology in the brains of two vocal learning bat species; Phyllostomus discolor and Rousettus aegyptiacus . We show widespread expression of these genes, similar to what has been previously observed in other species, including humans. A striking difference was observed in the adult P. discolor bat, which showed low levels of FoxP2 expression in the cortex that contrasted with patterns found in rodents and nonhuman primates. We created an online, open‐access database within which all data can be browsed, searched, and high resolution images viewed to single cell resolution. The data presented herein reveal regions of interest in the bat brain and provide new opportunities to address the role of these language‐related genes in complex vocal‐motor and vocal learning behaviors in a mammalian model system. Abstract : We used immunohistochemistry to detail the expression of three language‐related genes in the brains of two vocal learning bat species; Phyllostomus discolor and Rousettus aegyptiacus . We provide detailed distribution patterns of the FoxP2, FoxP1, and Cntnap2 proteins, accompanied by detailed cytoarchitectural histology across these bat brains. We created an online, open‐access database (the BATLAS portal) within which all data can be browsed, searched, and high resolution images viewed to single cell resolution. The data presented herein reveal regions of interest in the bat brain and provide new opportunities to address the role of these language‐related genes in complex vocal‐motor and vocal learning behaviors in a mammalian model system.