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Coding of auditory space in the avian brain

Award Number: R01DC007690
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2005
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2026

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Coding of auditory space in the avian brain - Abstract [This resubmitted project carries on the study of how auditory space is encoded in the barn owl's brain, with the overarching goal of understanding the interplay between midbrain and forebrain neural populations underlying discriminability and stimulus selection through auditory space. Behavioral spatial discrimination assays will be used to test the hypothesis that spatial discriminability is optimized by a built-in representation of natural cue statistics and in vivo recordings through multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) will be conducted in both anesthetized and awake barn owls for investigating activity patterns of midbrain neural populations underlying this effect (Aim 1). Population recordings in the midbrain space map, the hub of the midbrain stimulus selection network, will be used to investigate the interplay of stimulus temporal dynamics and brain oscillations in the coding of salient sounds across space (Aim 2). Simultaneous population recordings over brain regions will be used to investigate the routing of neural activity between midbrain and forebrain underlying sound localization (Aim 3). Recent findings by our group indicating commonalities of coding schemes across birds and mammals, including humans, support the premise that investigating mechanisms underlying discriminability, stimulus selection across space, and population-level midbrain and forebrain routing of activity, important open questions in sound localization, will be of significance across species. The group has recently developed multiunit recordings in awake animals, which will be used towards every specific aim.] Towards Aim 1, we will investigate the relationship between spatial discriminability and a representation of natural statistics of spatial cues, focusing on interaural time difference (ITD), a critical binaural cue for determining the azimuth location of sounds across species. This aim will test a hypothesis, based on premises supported by previous work from our group, that a built-in representation of natural ITD statistics, determined by the acoustical properties of the head, exists in the brain and optimizes sound localization. Behavioral studies will be conducted to assess spatial discriminability across frequency and space. MEAs will be used to record activity of the midbrain map of auditory space and use decoding analyses to investigate properties of population responses supporting the optimized discriminability pattern. [Recordings in awake birds will be used as a control for the effect of anesthesia. Preliminary data show feasibility of recordings in awake animals and a pattern of ITD discriminability across frequency and locations consistent with the hypothesis and properties of midbrain population responses supporting feasibility of this approach.] In Aim 2 we will scrutinize the midbrain stimulus selection network of barn owls on a population scale. Previous work suggested a role of gamma oscillations in stimulus selection and recent studies by our group showed a dependence between stimulus driven temporal spiking patterns and the location of sound sources relative to the preferred direction of space specific neurons of the owl’s midbrain. Based on this evidence, we will address the unexplored question of the interplay of brain oscillations and stimulus driven modulation of temporal spiking patterns in stimulus selection across space, a critical function of the sound localization system for detecting sounds based on their salience and location. [Population recordings in anesthetized and awake animals will be used to simultaneously track the power of brain oscillations across different frequency bands as well as envelope driven spiking patterns under competing sound stimulation. Preliminary data from MEA recordings across the midbrain space map show changes in population responses to competing sounds supporting the feasibility of the approach, and correlation between power of gamma oscillations and stimulus-driven temporal spiking patterning across the population consistent with an interplay of these signals in coding the salience of a sound. Preliminary data of recordings in awake barn owls show increased power of gamma range brain oscillations and correlation with response levels, corresponding with results obtained in anesthetized animals.] A critical open question in sound localization is the interplay of midbrain and forebrain areas displaying seemingly different coding schemes of sound localization, which we will address in Aim 3. [We will conduct simultaneous population recordings across brain regions in anesthetized and awake birds to elucidate the routing of neural activity across areas by analyzing pairwise correlation structure and trial-to-trial variability.] Previous studies by our group have shown important differences in correlation structure between midbrain and forebrain regions involved in sound localization, supporting the potential significance of investigating the bases of those results in simultaneous recordings of these brain areas and feasibility of this unprecedented approach. Thus, this project will assess the higher-order dynamics and interplay of midbrain and forebrain neural populations involved in sound localization to investigate mechanisms underlying vital functions that operate across species. [A new approach of in vivo recording in awake barn owls was recently developed by the group to validate functional significance of results across aims.] The contribution of this research to understanding central auditory processing underlying sound localization will lead to more accurate interpretations of auditory perception and its disruption in hearing disorders, with potential for improving treatments.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $414,929 )
2024	2024	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	20	7/20/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$414,929
														Subtotal = $414,929

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $414,929 )
2023	2023	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	19	7/20/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$414,929
														Subtotal = $414,929

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $420,188 )
2022	2022	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	002	18	7/28/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$420,188
2022	2021	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	17	3/7/2022	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$108
2022	2020	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	16	3/7/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$108
														Subtotal = $420,188

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $430,771 )
2021	2021	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	17	6/15/2021	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$430,771
2021	2020	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	16	6/15/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $430,771

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $354,875 )
2020	2020	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	16	1/16/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$35,488
2020	2020	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	16	11/18/2019	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$319,387
														Subtotal = $354,875

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $354,875 )
2019	2019	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	002	15	2/4/2019	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$297,472
2019	2019	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	14	11/15/2018	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$354,875
2019	2019	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	004	15	5/17/2019	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$50,397
2019	2019	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	14	2/4/2019	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$297,472
2019	2019	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	003	14	5/17/2019	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$50,397
														Subtotal = $354,875

Issue Date FY: 2018 ( Subtotal = $354,875 )
2018	2018	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	13	11/8/2017	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$319,387
2018	2018	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	13	4/4/2018	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$35,488
														Subtotal = $354,875

Issue Date FY: 2017 ( Subtotal = $354,875 )
2017	2017	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	12	5/24/2017	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$35,488
2017	2017	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, INC.	1300 MORRIS PARK AVE	BRONX	NY	10461	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	12	11/2/2016	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$319,387
														Subtotal = $354,875

Issue Date FY: 2016 ( Subtotal = $354,875 )
2016	2016	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE INC	111 E 210TH ST	BRONX	NY	10467	BRONX	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	11	11/23/2015	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$354,875
2016	2014	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	10	11/19/2015	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $354,875

Issue Date FY: 2014 ( Subtotal = $341,462 )
2014	2014	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	10	7/30/2014	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$341,462
														Subtotal = $341,462

Issue Date FY: 2013 ( Subtotal = $324,389 )
2013	2013	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	9	8/19/2013	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$324,389
														Subtotal = $324,389

Issue Date FY: 2012 ( Subtotal = $341,462 )
2012	2012	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	8	8/2/2012	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$341,462
														Subtotal = $341,462

Issue Date FY: 2011 ( Subtotal = $366,362 )
2011	2011	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	7	7/21/2011	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$341,462
2011	2011	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	6	1/5/2011	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$24,900
														Subtotal = $366,362

Issue Date FY: 2010 ( Subtotal = $352,750 )
2010	2010	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	6	9/30/2010	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$352,750
2010	2009	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	5	9/30/2010	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $352,750

Issue Date FY: 2009 ( Subtotal = $349,543 )
2009	2009	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	5	7/31/2009	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$349,543
														Subtotal = $349,543

Issue Date FY: 2008 ( Subtotal = $349,543 )
2008	2008	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	4	7/30/2008	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$349,543
														Subtotal = $349,543

Issue Date FY: 2007 ( Subtotal = $481,498 )
2007	2007	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	2	11/6/2006	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$63,452
2007	2007	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	3	7/25/2007	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$418,046
														Subtotal = $481,498

Issue Date FY: 2006 ( Subtotal = $364,724 )
2006	2006	ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OF YESHIVA UNIV	1300 MORRIS PARK AVENUE	BRONIX	NY	10461		USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	2	7/19/2006	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$364,724
														Subtotal = $364,724

Grand Total All Awards = $7,098,550

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Coding of auditory space in the avian brain

Award Number: R01DC007690

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2005

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2026

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