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Abstract
BackgroundAdult neurogenesis and the incorporation of adult-born neurons into functional circuits requires precise spatiotemporal coordination across molecular networks regulating a wide array of processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, neurotrophin signaling, and electrical activity. MicroRNAs (miRs) - short, non-coding RNA sequences that alter gene expression by post-transcriptional inhibition or degradation of mRNA sequences - may be involved in the global coordination of such diverse biological processes. To test the hypothesis that miRs related to adult neurogenesis and related cellular processes are functionally regulated in the nuclei of the avian song control circuit, we used microarray analyses to quantify changes in expression of miRs and predicted target mRNAs in the telencephalic nuclei HVC, the robust nucleus of arcopallium (RA), and the basal ganglia homologue Area X in breeding and nonbreeding Gambel’s white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelli).ResultsWe identified 46 different miRs that were differentially expressed across seasons in the song nuclei. miR-132 and miR-210 showed the highest differential expression in HVC and Area X, respectively. Analyzing predicted mRNA targets of miR-132 identified 33 candidate target genes that regulate processes including cell cycle control, calcium signaling, and neuregulin signaling in HVC. Likewise, miR-210 was predicted to target 14 mRNAs differentially expressed across seasons that regulate serotonin, GABA, and dopamine receptor signaling and inflammation.ConclusionsOur results identify potential miR–mRNA regulatory networks related to adult neurogenesis and provide opportunities to discover novel genetic control of the diverse biological processes and factors related to the functional incorporation of new neurons to the adult brain.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2175-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Adult neurogenesis and the incorporation of adult-born neurons into functional circuits requires precise spatiotemporal coordination across molecular networks regulating a wide array of processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, neurotrophin signaling, and electrical activity
Seasonal expression of mRNAs in the song control nuclei We identified differential expression of mRNA between breeding and nonbreeding condition using microarray analyses of tissue harvested from HVC, robust nucleus of arcopallium (RA), and Area X, in short-day photoperiod (SD), long day photoperiod (LD) + T at 3D, 7D, 21D, and LDW conditions
We found in the neurogenic nuclei HVC and Area X that only 8.6–13.9 % and 31.0–41.9 %, respectively, of the genes that were differentially expressed across all time points were down regulated (Fig. 2a; Additional file 4: Table S2)
Summary
Adult neurogenesis and the incorporation of adult-born neurons into functional circuits requires precise spatiotemporal coordination across molecular networks regulating a wide array of processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, neurotrophin signaling, and electrical activity. Once fully integrated mature adult-born neurons persist for periods ranging from days to years [5, 10,11,12]. Each of these processes is regulated by a plethora of interacting autonomous and non-autonomous factors. Some of these factors include but are not limited to sex steroid hormones secreted by the gonads and synthesized de novo in the brain, locally synthesized neurotrophins, neural use and activity, cell death and inflammation, behavior including social interactions, and stress (for reviews see [5, 13])
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