Welcome to ZEBrA

ZEBrA is an online public repository of in situ hybridization images from a large collection of genes expressed in the brain of zebra finches, with a focus on the constitutive expression patterns of genes in non-singing, non-stimulated adult males. It is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the image collection is updated regularly. The portals below present ZEBrA genes according to their associations with topics or themes that are important for understanding the neurobiological basis of complex behavior.

  • Markers of the Song System

    Explore the expression patterns of markers of specific nuclei in the zebra finch song system.

    Markers of the Song System

  • Speech and Language

    Explore the expression patterns of genes associated with disorders and evolutionary theories related to human speech and language.

    Speech and Language

  • Diseases and Phenotypes

    Explore the expression patterns of genes associated with human genetic diseases and/or mouse phenotypes related to brain function and behavior.

    Diseases and Phenotypes

  • Comparative Neuroanatomy

    Explore the expression patterns of genes that are markers of specific brain structures in zebra finches and in mammals (based on the Allen Institute's Mouse Brain Atlas).

    Comparative Neuroanatomy

  • Gene Function

    Explore the expression patterns of genes grouped into functional categories of high relevance to brain and neuronal cell physiology.

    Gene Function

  • Songbird Discoveries

    Explore the expression patterns of genes highlighted in published songbird studies. Discover links between genes, brain organization, seasonality, sex dimorphism, steroid regulation, neuronal plasticity, vocal learning, neurogenesis, and more.

    Songbird Discoveries