# Auditory-Vocal Interaction Mechanisms in Primates

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $522,564

## Abstract

The overall objective of the proposed research is to understand neural mechanisms underlying auditory feedback
processing and auditory-vocal interaction in the primate brain. Such mechanisms are important for both hearing
and vocal communication, and the impairment of these mechanisms results in hearing and speech disorders.
Few studies have investigated these neural mechanisms in non-human primates because of technical difficulties
in studying the activity of individual neurons during natural auditory and vocal behaviors. We will use a unique
model system, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), to tackle these problems at the cellular and behavioral
levels. The marmoset provides several important advantages over other non-human primate species: a rich
vocal repertoire, a high reproductive rate while in captivity, and a smooth brain allowing easy access to all parts
of the cerebral cortex. In this application, we plan to address three major questions along the research direction
using novel techniques we have developed in the previous funding cycle. In Aim 1, we will study behavioral
mechanisms underlying feedback-dependent vocal production in marmosets in order to determine the
marmoset’s ability to voluntarily control their vocalization in real-time. Such evidence is crucial for understanding
how marmosets use vocal feedback signals to guide vocal communication. In Aim 2, we will study how neurons
in belt and parabelt areas of the auditory cortex process auditory feedback signals during vocalization. In Aim 3,
we will attempt to dissect functional circuits in auditory-vocal interaction between frontal cortex and auditory
cortex that are involved in auditory feedback processing. Findings from the proposed study will shed lights on
neural mechanisms responsible for auditory feedback processing in the primate brain and have implications for
understanding how the auditory cortex operates during active hearing and speaking in both normal and hearing-
impaired listeners.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10109104
- **Project number:** 5R01DC005808-17
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** XIAOQIN WANG
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $522,564
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2003-08-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10109104

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10109104, Auditory-Vocal Interaction Mechanisms in Primates (5R01DC005808-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10109104. Licensed CC0.

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