Tucson Standard

University of Arizona neuroscientists have discovered that aging alters gene expressions controlling song in birds, potentially aiding early diagnosis and treatment of human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. These disorders are known to impact vocal production during their early stages.

Published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, the study reveals that interacting gene networks within a bird's brain region involved with singing change significantly with age. Central to these networks are "hub genes" that influence many other genes. Lead author Charles Higgins suggests, "If you could make a drug that could influence a particular hub gene, you might potentially influence hundreds of other genes around it and see a macroscopic effect." This approach could lead to treatments slowing diseases like Alzheimer's.

Senior author Julie E. Miller has been exploring connections between vocal production and aging using zebra finch songbirds for years. Despite genetic changes, the birds maintain their ability to sing, indicating possible adaptation strategies. Miller notes this might offer resilience strategies for humans.

Zebra finches share similar brain structures with humans, particularly in the basal ganglia used for motor functions like speech. The finches' method of learning songs by mimicking others parallels human speech acquisition. Their songs serve as measurable markers for brain changes, allowing scientists to track alterations in pitch, volume, and intensity alongside genetic factors.

In their research involving 36 birds across various ages, Miller and her team observed vast arrays of gene activity in younger birds thinning out into fewer single genes as they aged. Further research aims to understand hub genes' roles and potential manipulation effects on slowing aging processes affecting vocal communication.

Other contributors include Sri Harsha Vishwanath from the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences; Fiona McCarthy from animal sciences; Michelle Gordon from Miller's lab; and Beate Peter from Arizona State University. The study received support from the National Institute on Aging under specific awards and grants from Arizona's health services department.