Transcriptomic profiling of the songbird brain

There are many outstanding questions regarding the evolution and diversity of cell populations in the avian brain. Tissue samples were collected and sequenced from the brain of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), a songbird, in order to molecularly profile known neural subdivisions of brain tissue, as well as the highly specialized song nuclei controlling learned vocalizations (HVC, RA, LMAN, and Area X). The goal of this work is to provide insights into the genetic specializations and evolutionary relationships of these cell populations within the avian brain and across species.