# Neural sequences for planning and production of learned vocalizations

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $578,247

## Abstract

Project Summary
Sequences of neuronal activity are thought to underlie planning, preparation, and production of voluntary
skilled behaviors. Dissecting how these premotor and motor sequences are functionally and synaptically
integrated to support fluent, context-appropriate performance of natural behaviors is a major research
challenge and a central goal of the BRAIN Initiative. The songbird premotor cortical structure HVC (letters used
as proper name) has emerged as a prominent model system for studying how sparse neural sequences
underlie the production of a precise, ethologically relevant behavior - birdsong. A single class of projection
neurons in HVC is necessary for acute performance of birdsong. Yet, technical limitations associated with cell-
type selective monitoring and manipulation of these neurons has hindered the ability to study how their neural
sequences are functionally and synaptically integrated to support the planning, preparation and execution of
behavior. We have developed cell-type specific methods for population calcium imaging and optogenetic
manipulations in HVC and demonstrate their value in dissecting the functional and synaptic organization of this
circuit in singing birds. Our preliminary results support a new model for HVC functional organization that will be
tested in the four aims of this proposal. We will use calcium imaging, electrophysiological recordings and
optogenetic manipulations in freely singing birds to test how diverse neural sequences in HVC underlie the
planning, preparation and production of song. In addition, we will use single-cell optogenetics, calcium imaging,
and circuit mapping methods to test the functional, synaptic and areal organization of this circuit. Drawing on a
variety of cutting-edge approaches and the combined expertise of three scientific groups, this research aims to
provide a new functional model for how diverse neural sequences are synaptically integrated to support fluent
production of a voluntary skilled behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9951130
- **Project number:** 5R01NS108424-03
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Brenton G. Cooper
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $578,247
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-15 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9951130

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9951130, Neural sequences for planning and production of learned vocalizations (5R01NS108424-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9951130. Licensed CC0.

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