The role of androgen receptors for singing.

Sexual dimorphic behavior like vocalization in songbirds is governed by sexual dimorphic brain structures that exhibit distinct gene expression patterns during development. In the zebra finch transcription of the androgen receptor gene is associated with the early differentiation of forebrain song control nuclei. Since both regulation of expression and developmental role of the androgen receptor in the song control nuclei are not well understood we are offering a PhD project that will use genetically modified primordial germ cells to generate transgenic zebra finches with modified testosterone cell signaling. For successful application the doctoral candidate should have a background in molecular and cellular biology, requires very good manual skills and have great interest in neuroscience. 

For more information on the research group: https://www.orn.mpg.de/2542/Department_Gahr