Opioid Modulation of Differential Gene Expression and Neuronal Differentiation in the Ventricular-subventricular Zone of Adult Male Zebra Finches

Together, these results demonstrate that OR blockade may promote neurogenesis in adult songbirds and is accompanied by the upregulation of key transcripts, including miR-124-3p. Given the established role of miR-124 in promoting neuronal differentiation, its upregulation suggests that OR blockade may enhance neuronal differentiation via microRNA (miRNA)-mediated pathways. This finding provides the first evidence linking opioid modulation to miRNA-driven neurogenic processes in an adult avian brain.