Whole-brain neural dynamics of vocal-auditory interactions in the sound-producing, transparent vertebrate Danionella translucida

Project Information

VocalBrain

Grant agreement ID: 101026592

DOI

10.3030/101026592

Project closed

EC signature date 20 April 2021

Start date 1 September 2021

End date 31 August 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 162 806,40

EU contribution

€ 162 806,40

Coordinated by

CHARITE - UNIVERSITAETSMEDIZIN BERLIN
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VocalBrain (Whole-brain neural dynamics of vocal-auditory interactions in the sound-producing, transparent vertebrate Danionella translucida)

Reporting period: 2021-09-01 to 2023-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The auditory system can separate between external sounds and sounds that are self-generated through an animal’s movement or vocalization. While some of the mechanisms of how the brain makes this distinction are known, the current understanding is incomplete, especially how these processes play out along the auditory path – from the ear to the higher auditory processing centers in the brain. To date the only technique to study neural activity across the whole brain at a single-cell level is via light measurements, so called calcium imaging. Yet for this method to be applicable the animal model needs to be transparent for light to enter the brain and small enough to measure the whole brain under a microscope. Danionella cerebrum (DC, formerly known as Danionella translucida) is a new model in neurosciences that fulfils these criteria, as this transparent fish has the smallest known adult vertebrate brain. Additionally, DC produce audible click sounds during social communication. Therefore, the VocalBrain project aims at establishing DC as a model for whole-brain measurements of auditory-vocal interactions. Such a model will allow us to perform novel experiments and ask mechanistic questions about how the brain processes its own and external sounds.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The VocalBrain project characterized the sound production system in DC, including the drumming muscle and the vocal-motor neurons. To this end, neural tracing protocols were developed and in situ hybridization of various brain markers was performed to improve the knowledge of DC’s brain anatomy. Finally, a setup was implemented to target and measure vocal stimulations under a two-photon microscope. Dissemination of the project includes presentation to the public at the European research nights and science slams, as well as scientific presentations at international meetings and upcoming publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The VocalBrain project helps to establish DC as a model for whole-brain measurements of auditory-vocal interactions by providing essential information on DC anatomy and tracing techniques. These results will help other researchers take advantage of DC’s unique suitability for large-scale neuroscience questions that span the brain.

Bone staining of a Danionella specimen