Motor-induced transcription but sensory-regulated translation of ZENK in socially interactive songbirds.

The ZENK gene, depending upon singing activity, is transcribed within all the telencephalic nuclei controlling vocal behavior in songbirds. We show here that singing by deafened or completely isolated adult zebra finches induced high levels of ZENK transcription. This mRNA however, was not translated into high levels of ZENK protein. Instead, high levels of singing-driven ZENK protein translation were found in socially interactive birds. This dissociation between ZENK mRNA and ZENK protein was regionally specific to the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), a region that is well known for its control of vocal-motor behavior in birds. Our results suggest cooperation between motor and sensory processes for regulating mRNA induction and subsequent protein synthesis in socially active songbirds.