Heritable differences in synaptic zinc-transporter levels drive variation in learned birdsong

Complex learned behaviors exhibit striking variation within populations, yet how heritable factors contribute to such inter-individual differences remains largely unknown. Here, we used behavioral-genetic analysis within a Bengalese finch population (Lonchura striata domestica) to investigate molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying heritable differences in the tempo of learned birdsong. We identified a genomic locus encoding the zinc transporter ZIP11 and found that zip11(SLC39A11) transcript was expressed at higher levels in song control circuitry of faster singing birds. Reducing soluble zinc increased synaptic currents in motor circuitry and accelerated song, whereas reducing ZIP11 slowed song. Our results reveal a novel zinc-dependent mechanism that modulates neural activity to drive differences in behavior and suggest that natural variation in learning may preferentially target modulatory processes rather than core neural machinery.

Visible-light driven CO2 reduction to formate by the system of water-soluble zinc porphyrin and formate dehydrogenase with electron-mediated the amino and carbamoyl groups-modified viologen

Visible-light driven CO2 reduction to formate with the system consisting of water-soluble zinc tetraphenylporphyrin tetrasulfonate (ZnTPPS), formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii (CbFDH) and 1-amino-1’-carbamoyl-4,4’- bipyridinium salt (ACBP) as an electron...

pH-Controlled selective synthesis of lactate from pyruvate with the photoredox system of water-soluble zinc porphyrin, electron mediator and platinum nanoparticles dispersed by polyvinylpyrrolidone

Photoredox catalytic systems are attracting widespread attention not only in the fields of water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen or CO2 reduction, but also in the field of organic synthesis...

Visible-light driven redox system of water-soluble zinc porphyrin and platinum nanoparticles for selective reduction of pyruvate to lactate

Lactate has received a great deal of attention as a raw material for biodegradable plastics. Lactate is synthesized by fermentative and chemical procedures. Using chemical procedure, lactate is synthesized industrially...

Visible light driven selective NADH regeneration with the system of water-soluble zinc porphyrin and homogeneously polymer dispersed rhodium nanoparticles

We discovered the catalytic activity of Rh nanoparticles dispersed by polyvinylpyrrolidone (Rh-PVP) for NADH regeneration. Selective reduction of NAD+ to enzyme active NADH has successfully been achieved in the presence...