Synaptic Connectivity of Sensorimotor Circuits for Vocal Imitation in the Songbird

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.104609
• Publication Date: 2025-03-18T00:25:06Z
• Authors: Massimo Trusel; Ziran Zhao; Danyal H Alam; Ethan S Marks; Maaya Z Ikeda; Todd F Roberts
• Keywords: Songbird

Sensorimotor computations for learning and behavior rely on precise patterns of synaptic connectivity. Yet, we typically lack the wiring diagrams long-range connections between sensory motor circuits in brain. Here provide diagram sensorimotor involved production zebra finch song, a natural ethologically relevant behavior. We examined functional connectivity from 4 main afferent pathways onto 3 known classes projection neurons song premotor cortical region HVC. Recordings hundreds identified reveal rules monosynaptic existence polysynaptic ensembles excitatory inhibitory neuronal populations Circuit tracing further identifies novel HVC’s presynaptic partners. Our results indicate modular organization ensemble-like networks integrating input with local circuits, providing important context information flow learned vocal