Gene variants of FOXP1 and FOXP2 provide novel insights into the development of vocalization in rats.

Dr. Mike Bowers received his B.S. in biology and psychology from Oklahoma State University. He received his M.S degree in linguistics from the University of New Mexico and his PhD in experimental psychology, with specialization in statistical modeling, from Oklahoma State University. He performed is postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the lab of Peg McCarthy. As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Bowers discovered a sex difference in the gene called FOXP2, which is responsible for brain development and language. Dr. Bowers is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech. His research group uses genetics approaches and math models to understand animal vocalization and cognitive behavior. The long- term goal of the lab is to elucidate what drives the sex differences in brain development responsible for language and communication disorders, such as autism and stuttering.

The relative risk of having a neurodevelopmental disorder varies considerably by sex. For example, boys exhibit higher rates of autism, stuttering, and dsylexia than girls. The mechanism that explains the basis for this sex difference is unknown.  The FOXP2 gene is a known regulator for numerous genes responsible for brain development and is widely recognized for its involvement with speech and language. More recently, the closest relative of FOXP2, FOXP1, has also been found to be a key factor in not only brain development, but also language. This research seminar will highlight how rodent models can provide information about how the Foxp1/2 genes impact the neurobiology responsible for sex differences in disorders affecting language and communication.

This seminar has no suggested readings.

This seminar will NOT be recorded on the Fralin YouTube channel.