Link between Parkinson's genes and voice?

The disorder impedes vocal production, making the voices of people with Parkinson's disease soft and monotonous

A new study by University of Arizona neuroscientists suggests that a specific gene commonly associated with Parkinson's disease may be behind these vocalization-related problems -- a finding that could aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's patients.

The research was conducted in the laboratory of Julie E.

"We have a big gap -- we don't know how the disease affects the brain regions that make vocalizations, and it's really an opportunity to intervene early and come up with better treatments,

The research was published Wednesday in the scientific journal PLOS ONE

A unique and ideal model for studying human language

To study the relationship between vocal changes and a Parkinson's disease-related gene called alpha synuclein, the researchers turned to the zebra finch, a native Australian songbird

Medina says the bird is an ideal model for human language and vocal pathways for several reasons

"These behavioral, anatomical and genetic similarities allow us to use the zebra finch as a model for human language and voice," Medina said

To understand how -synuclein affects bird vocalizations, the researchers first made baseline recordings of their singing

The researchers used computer software to analyze and compare the acoustic signatures of the songs over time, studying pitch, amplitude and duration to determine if and when the birds' sound production changed

Initial findings suggest that synuclein does affect song production

This is another step towards early diagnosis and treatment

To determine the changes that affect speech being linked to the brain, the researchers focused on one part of the brain, Region X.

He added that this link has been predicted in previous Parkinson's studies, but not conclusive

The next step, Miller said, is figuring out how to apply these findings to human data, which may provide more answers to better diagnose and treat Parkinson's disease -- as early as exercise-related symptoms tell patients to go.

The long-term goal of the Miller lab, she said, is to collaborate with other researchers and private companies to develop drugs that target alpha synuclein and other genes implicated in Parkinson's disease

Doing so, Medina said, would mean "we can stop Parkinson's from developing before it adversely affects patients' quality of life

Journal Reference :

1. Cesar A.
   Medina, Eddie Vargas, Stephanie J.
   Munger, Julie E.
   Miller.
   Vocal changes in a zebra finch model of Parkinson’s disease characterized by alpha-synuclein overexpression in the song-dedicated anterior forebrain pathway .
   , 2022; 17 ( 5): e0265604 DOI: 10.
   1371/journal.
   pone.
   0265604