DNA Methylation Regulates Transcription Factor-Specific Neurodevelopmental but Not Sexually Dimorphic Gene Expression Dynamics in Zebra Finch Telencephalon

Song learning in zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata ) is a prototypical example of complex learned behavior, yet knowledge the underlying molecular processes limited. Therefore, we characterized transcriptomic (RNA-sequencing) and epigenomic (RRBS, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing; immunofluorescence) dynamics matched finch telencephalon samples both sexes from 1 day post hatching (1 dph) to adulthood, spanning critical period for song (20 65 dph). We identified extensive transcriptional neurodevelopmental changes during postnatal development. DNA methylation was very low, increased over time, particularly control nuclei. Only small fraction massive differential expression developing could be explained by CpG CpH methylation. However, strong association between age-dependent gene found various transcription factors (i.e., OTX2 , AR FOS involved neurodevelopment. Incomplete dosage compensation, independent methylation, largely responsible sexually dimorphic expression, with compensation increasing throughout life. In conclusion, our results indicate that regulates through steering factor activity, but does not explain patterns telencephalon.