# Reinforcement Mechanisms for Learning Vocal Behaviors

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $474,665

## Abstract

Project Summary
It is commonly appreciated that cortico-basal ganglia circuits are involved in the volitional control, initiation and
cessation of movements. Perhaps less well appreciated is the role of the basal ganglia in learning and adaptive
modification of skilled motor behaviors. An emerging view is that cortico-basal ganglia circuits play a prominent
role in trial-and-error learning of skilled behaviors by helping to optimize future performances. Yet, the role of
the cortico-basal ganglia circuits in optimizing the performance of naturally learned skilled behaviors is still
poorly understood. To provide a better understanding of the basal ganglia's role in learning motor skills, we will
apply closed-loop optogenetic methods in the study of a well delineated cortico-basal ganglia pathway in the
songbird. Zebra finches learn to produce a complex courtship song during development and practice
extensively to maintain expert performance of their song in adulthood. Using song-contingent
(closed-loop) optogenetic inhibition and excitation this research will dissect the functional contribution of striatal
circuits and their cortical and subcortical inputs during learning and maintenance of song. This research will
test the function of different inputs to the zebra finch vocal striatum in learning and examine how prominent
models of basal ganglia function, developed through the study of externally reinforced behaviors in the
laboratory, bear on the learning of a naturally produced skilled motor behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10083236
- **Project number:** 5R01NS102488-04
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** TODD F ROBERTS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $474,665
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10083236

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10083236, Reinforcement Mechanisms for Learning Vocal Behaviors (5R01NS102488-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10083236. Licensed CC0.

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