R01DC020333
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
The Genetic Basis of Vocal Learning - Project Summary
People and other animals learn many of their complex and socially oriented behaviors by imitating more experienced individuals in their environment. Vocal imitation is one of the more striking and readily quantifiable examples of this type of learning, but the genetic basis of this complex trait is still poorly understood.
The goal of this research is to determine the genetic basis of vocal imitation abilities by establishing the first mutagenesis screen in a vocal learning species and the genetic tools for independently testing the function of the identified genes by developing novel transgenic models using germline gene targeting technologies.
Humans are the only primate and one of only a handful of mammalian species to have evolved the facility for vocal imitation. Aside from humans, songbirds, and in particular zebra finches, are the best studied vocal learning species and they provide the only practical platform for systematically identifying the genes involved in this important social behavior. Like speech, zebra finch song is a culturally transmitted behavior learned via imitation. Moreover, functional, genetic, and molecular parallels underscore the use of zebra finch for identifying genes essential for vocal imitation.
We hypothesize that a forward genetic dominant screen, followed by the detailed genetic mapping and manipulations developed through this proposal, will identify convergent and divergent genetic signatures for this polygenic trait. Establishing a forward genetic screen and the genetic tools for verifying gene function in zebra finches will provide a novel, comprehensive, and broadly impactful approach for trying to understand the genetic basis of vocal and social communication.
People and other animals learn many of their complex and socially oriented behaviors by imitating more experienced individuals in their environment. Vocal imitation is one of the more striking and readily quantifiable examples of this type of learning, but the genetic basis of this complex trait is still poorly understood.
The goal of this research is to determine the genetic basis of vocal imitation abilities by establishing the first mutagenesis screen in a vocal learning species and the genetic tools for independently testing the function of the identified genes by developing novel transgenic models using germline gene targeting technologies.
Humans are the only primate and one of only a handful of mammalian species to have evolved the facility for vocal imitation. Aside from humans, songbirds, and in particular zebra finches, are the best studied vocal learning species and they provide the only practical platform for systematically identifying the genes involved in this important social behavior. Like speech, zebra finch song is a culturally transmitted behavior learned via imitation. Moreover, functional, genetic, and molecular parallels underscore the use of zebra finch for identifying genes essential for vocal imitation.
We hypothesize that a forward genetic dominant screen, followed by the detailed genetic mapping and manipulations developed through this proposal, will identify convergent and divergent genetic signatures for this polygenic trait. Establishing a forward genetic screen and the genetic tools for verifying gene function in zebra finches will provide a novel, comprehensive, and broadly impactful approach for trying to understand the genetic basis of vocal and social communication.
Funding Goals
NOT APPLICABLE
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding Agency
Place of Performance
Dallas,
Texas
753907208
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 394% from $830,576 to $4,100,801.
The University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center was awarded
Genetic Basis of Vocal Learning in Zebra Finches
Project Grant R01DC020333
worth $4,100,801
from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in September 2021 with work to be completed primarily in Dallas Texas United States.
The grant
has a duration of 5 years and
was awarded through assistance program 93.310 Trans-NIH Research Support.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NIH Directors Transformative Research Awards (R01 Clinical Trial Optional).
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 8/6/25
Period of Performance
9/27/21
Start Date
8/31/26
End Date
Funding Split
$4.1M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$4.1M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to R01DC020333
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
R01DC020333
SAI Number
R01DC020333-2541049910
Award ID URI
SAI UNAVAILABLE
Awardee Classifications
Public/State Controlled Institution Of Higher Education
Awarding Office
75N300 NIH National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Funding Office
75NA00 NIH OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
Awardee UEI
YZJ6DKPM4W63
Awardee CAGE
1CNP4
Performance District
TX-30
Senators
John Cornyn
Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz
Budget Funding
| Federal Account | Budget Subfunction | Object Class | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Health and Human Services (075-0846) | Health research and training | Grants, subsidies, and contributions (41.0) | $1,583,884 | 100% |
Modified: 8/6/25