Aberrant gating of photic input to the suprachiasmatic circadian pacemaker of mice lacking the VPAC2 receptor

Suprachiasmatic nucleus VIPergic fibers show a circadian rhythm of expansion and retraction

In animals, overt circadian rhythms of physiology and behavior are centrally regulated by a circadian clock located in specific brain regions. In the fruit fly Drosophila and in mammals, these clocks rely on single-cell oscillators, but critical for their function as central circadian pacemakers are network properties that change dynamically throughout the circadian cycle as well as in response to environmental stimuli.1,2,3 In the fly, this plasticity involves circadian rhythms of expansion and retraction of clock neuron fibers.4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Whether these drastic structural changes are a universal property of central neuronal pacemakers is unknown. To address this question, we studied neurons of the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that express vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), which are critical for the SCN to function as a central circadian pacemaker. By targeting the expression of the fluorescent protein tdTomato to these neurons and using tissue clearing techniques to visualize all SCN VIPergic neurons and their fibers, we show that, similar to clock neurons in the fly, VIPergic fibers undergo a daily rhythm of expansion and retraction, with maximal branching during the day. This rhythm is circadian, as it persists under constant environmental conditions and is present in both males and females. We propose that circadian structural remodeling of clock neurons represents a key feature of central circadian pacemakers that is likely critical to regulate network properties, the response to environmental stimuli, and the regulation of circadian outputs.

Diverse genetic alteration dysregulates neuropeptide and intracellular signalling in the suprachiasmatic nuclei

In mammals, intrinsic 24 h or circadian rhythms are primarily generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Rhythmic daily changes in the transcriptome and proteome of SCN cells are controlled by interlocking transcription-translation feedback loops (TTFLs) of core clock genes and their proteins. SCN cells function as autonomous circadian oscillators, which synchronize through intercellular neuropeptide signalling. Physiological and behavioural rhythms can be severely disrupted by genetic modification of a diverse range of genes and proteins in the SCN. With the advent of next generation sequencing, there is unprecedented information on the molecular profile of the SCN and how it is affected by genetically targeted alteration. However, whether the expression of some genes is more readily affected by genetic alteration of the SCN is unclear. Here, using publicly available datasets from recent RNA-seq assessments of the SCN from genetically altered and control mice, we evaluated whether there are commonalities in transcriptome dysregulation. This was completed for four different phases across the 24 h cycle and was augmented by Gene Ontology Molecular Function (GO:MF) and promoter analysis. Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and/or enriched GO:MF terms included signalling molecules, their receptors, and core clock components. Finally, examination of the JASPAR database indicated that E-box and CRE elements in the promoter regions of several commonly dysregulated genes. From this analysis, we identify differential expression of genes coding for molecules involved in SCN intra- and intercellular signalling as a potential cause of abnormal circadian rhythms.

Circadian rhythm mechanism in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and its relation to the olfactory system

Animals need sleep, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the center of the circadian rhythm, plays an important role in determining the timing of sleep. The main input to the suprachiasmatic nucleus is the retinohypothalamic tract, with additional inputs from the intergeniculate leaflet pathway, the serotonergic afferent from the raphe, and other hypothalamic regions. Within the suprachiasmatic nucleus, two of the major subtypes are vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-positive neurons and arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-positive neurons. VIP neurons are important for light entrainment and synchronization of suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons, whereas AVP neurons are important for circadian period determination. Output targets of the suprachiasmatic nucleus include the hypothalamus (subparaventricular zone, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, preoptic area, and medial hypothalamus), the thalamus (paraventricular thalamic nuclei), and lateral septum. The suprachiasmatic nucleus also sends information through several brain regions to the pineal gland. The olfactory bulb is thought to be able to generate a circadian rhythm without the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Some reports indicate that circadian rhythms of the olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex exist in the absence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, but another report claims the influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The regulation of circadian rhythms by sensory inputs other than light stimuli, including olfaction, has not been well studied and further progress is expected.

Inputs and Outputs of the Mammalian Circadian Clock

Circadian rhythms in mammals are coordinated by the central circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Light and other environmental inputs change the timing of the SCN neural network oscillator, which, in turn, sends output signals that entrain daily behavioral and physiological rhythms. While much is known about the molecular, neuronal, and network properties of the SCN itself, the circuits linking the outside world to the SCN and the SCN to rhythmic outputs are understudied. In this article, we review our current understanding of the synaptic and non-synaptic inputs onto and outputs from the SCN. We propose that a more complete description of SCN connectivity is needed to better explain how rhythms in nearly all behaviors and physiological processes are generated and to determine how, mechanistically, these rhythms are disrupted by disease or lifestyle.

Timed exercise stabilizes behavioral rhythms but not molecular programs in the brain's suprachiasmatic clock

Timed daily access to a running-wheel (scheduled voluntary exercise; SVE) synchronizes rodent circadian rhythms and promotes stable, 24h rhythms in animals with genetically targeted impairment of neuropeptide signaling (Vipr2 ^-/- mice). Here we used RNA-seq and/or qRT-PCR to assess how this neuropeptide signaling impairment as well as SVE shapes molecular programs in the brain clock (suprachiasmatic nuclei; SCN) and peripheral tissues (liver and lung). Compared to Vipr2 ^+/+ animals, the SCN transcriptome of Vipr2 ^-/- mice showed extensive dysregulation which included core clock components, transcription factors, and neurochemicals. Furthermore, although SVE stabilized behavioral rhythms in these animals, the SCN transcriptome remained dysregulated. The molecular programs in the lung and liver of Vipr2 ^-/- mice were partially intact, although their response to SVE differed to that of these peripheral tissues in the Vipr2 ^+/+ mice. These findings highlight that SVE can correct behavioral abnormalities in circadian rhythms without causing large scale alterations to the SCN transcriptome.

Circadian clock synchrony and chronotherapy opportunities in cancer treatment

Cell-autonomous, tissue-specific circadian rhythms in gene expression and cellular processes have been observed throughout the human body. Disruption of daily rhythms by mistimed exposure to light, food intake, or genetic mutation has been linked to cancer development. Some medications are also more effective at certain times of day. However, a limited number of clinical studies have examined daily rhythms in the patient or drug timing as treatment strategies. This review highlights advances and challenges in cancer biology as a function of time of day. Recent evidence for daily rhythms and their entrainment in tumors indicate that personalized medicine should include understanding and accounting for daily rhythms in cancer patients.

Photic Entrainment of the Circadian System

Circadian rhythms are essential for the survival of all organisms, enabling them to predict daily changes in the environment and time their behaviour appropriately. The molecular basis of such rhythms is the circadian clock, a self-sustaining molecular oscillator comprising a transcriptional–translational feedback loop. This must be continually readjusted to remain in alignment with the external world through a process termed entrainment, in which the phase of the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) is adjusted in response to external time cues. In mammals, the primary time cue, or “zeitgeber”, is light, which inputs directly to the SCN where it is integrated with additional non-photic zeitgebers. The molecular mechanisms underlying photic entrainment are complex, comprising a number of regulatory factors. This review will outline the photoreception pathways mediating photic entrainment, and our current understanding of the molecular pathways that drive it in the SCN.

In Vitro Assays for Measuring Intercellular Coupling Among Peripheral Circadian Oscillators

Circadian clocks can be found in nearly all eukaryotic organisms, as well as certain bacterial strains, including commensal microbiota. Exploring intercellular coupling among cell-autonomous circadian oscillators is crucial for understanding how cellular ensembles generate and sustain coherent circadian rhythms on the tissue level, and thus, rhythmic organ functions. Here we describe a protocol for studying intercellular coupling among peripheral circadian oscillators using three-dimensional spheroid cultures in order to measure coupling strength within peripheral clock networks. We use cell spheroids to simulate in vivo tissue integrity, as well as to increase complexity of cell-cell interactions and the abundance of potential coupling factors. Circadian rhythms are monitored using live-cell imaging of spheroids equipped with circadian reporters over several days.

Timed daily exercise remodels circadian rhythms in mice

Regular exercise is important for physical and mental health. An underexplored and intriguing property of exercise is its actions on the body’s 24 h or circadian rhythms. Molecular clock cells in the brain’s suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) use electrical and chemical signals to orchestrate their activity and convey time of day information to the rest of the brain and body. To date, the long-lasting effects of regular physical exercise on SCN clock cell coordination and communication remain unresolved. Utilizing mouse models in which SCN intercellular neuropeptide signaling is impaired as well as those with intact SCN neurochemical signaling, we examined how daily scheduled voluntary exercise (SVE) influenced behavioral rhythms and SCN molecular and neuronal activities. We show that in mice with disrupted neuropeptide signaling, SVE promotes SCN clock cell synchrony and robust 24 h rhythms in behavior. Interestingly, in both intact and neuropeptide signaling deficient animals, SVE reduces SCN neural activity and alters GABAergic signaling. These findings illustrate the potential utility of regular exercise as a long-lasting and effective non-invasive intervention in the elderly or mentally ill where circadian rhythms can be blunted and poorly aligned to the external world.

Using mice with disrupted neuropeptide signaling, Hughes et al. show that daily scheduled voluntary exercise (SVE) promotes suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) clock cell synchrony and robust 24 h rhythms in behavior. This study suggests the potential utility of regular exercise as a non-invasive intervention for the elderly or mentally ill, where circadian rhythms can be poorly aligned to the external world.

The Circadian Clock Is Sustained in the Thyroid Gland of VIP Receptor 2 Deficient Mice

VIP/VPAC2-receptor signaling is crucial for functioning of the circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) since the lack results in disrupted synchrony between SCN cells and altered locomotor activity, body temperature, hormone secretion and heart rhythm. Endocrine glands, including the thyroid, show daily oscillations in clock gene expression and hormone secretion, and SCN projections target neurosecretory hypothalamic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-releasing hormone cells. The aim of the study was to gain knowledge of mechanisms important for regulation of the thyroid clock by evaluating the impact of VIP/VPAC2-receptor signaling. Quantifications of mRNAs of three clock genes (Per1, Per2 and Bmal1) in thyroids of wild type (WT) and VPAC2-receptor deficient mice were done by qPCR. Tissues were taken every 4^th h during 24-h 12:12 light-dark (LD) and constant darkness (DD) periods, both genders were used. PER1 immunoreactivity was visualized on sections of both WT and VPAC2 lacking mice during a LD cycle. Finally, TSH and the thyroid hormone T4 levels were measured in the sera by commercial ELISAs. During LD, rhythmic expression of all three mRNA was found in both the WT and knockout animals. In VPAC2-receptor knockout animals, the amplitudes were approximately halved compared to the ones in the WT mice. In the WT, Per1 mRNA peaked around "sunset", Per2 mRNA followed with approximately 2 h, while Bmal1 mRNA was in antiphase with Per1. In the VPAC2 knockout mice, the phases of the mRNAs were advanced approximately 5 h compared to the WT. During DD, the phases of all the mRNAs were identical to the ones found during LD in both groups of mice. PER1 immunoreactivity was delayed compared to its mRNA and peaked during the night in follicular cells of both the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the WT animals. In WT animals, TSH was high around the transition to darkness compared to light-on, while T4 did not change during the 24 h cycle. In conclusion, sustained and identical rhythms (phases and amplitudes) of three clock genes were found in VPAC2 deficient mice during LD and DD suggesting high degree of independence of the thyroid clock from the master SCN clock.

Light Has Diverse Spatiotemporal Molecular Changes in the Mouse Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

To be physiologically relevant, the period of the central circadian pacemaker, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), has to match the solar day in a process known as circadian photoentrainment. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal molecular changes that occur in the SCN in response to light. In this study, we sought to systematically characterize the circadian and light effects on activity-dependent markers of transcriptional (cFos), translational (pS6), and epigenetic (pH3) activities in the mouse SCN. To investigate circadian versus light influences on these molecular responses, we harvested brains from adult wild-type mice in darkness at different circadian times (CT) or from mice exposed to a 15-min light pulse at the middle of the subjective day (CT6, no phase shifts), early subjective night (CT14, large phase delays), or late subjective night (CT22, small phase advances). We found that cFos and pS6 exhibited rhythmic circadian expression in the SCN with distinct spatial rhythms, whereas pH3 expression was undetectable at all circadian phases. cFos rhythms were largely limited to the SCN shell, whereas pS6 rhythms encompassed the entire SCN. pH3, pS6, and cFos showed gating in response to light; however, we were surprised to find that the expression levels of these markers were not higher at phases when larger phase shifts are observed behaviorally (CT14 versus CT22). We then used animals lacking melanopsin (melanopsin knockout [MKO]), which show deficits in phase delays, to further investigate whether changes in these molecular markers correspond to behavioral phase shifts. Surprisingly, only pS6 showed deficits in MKOs at CT14. Therefore, our previous understanding of the molecular pathways that lead to circadian photoentrainment needs to be revised.

Reduced VIP Expression Affects Circadian Clock Function in VIP-IRES-CRE Mice (JAX 010908)

Circadian rhythms are programmed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which relies on neuropeptide signaling to maintain daily timekeeping. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is critical for SCN function, but the precise role of VIP neurons in SCN circuits is not fully established. To interrogate their contribution to SCN circuits, VIP neurons can be manipulated specifically using the DNA-editing enzyme Cre recombinase. Although the Cre transgene is assumed to be inert by itself, we find that VIP expression is reduced in both heterozygous and homozygous adult VIP-IRES-Cre mice (JAX 010908). Compared with wild-type mice, homozygous VIP-Cre mice display faster reentrainment and shorter free-running period but do not become arrhythmic in constant darkness. Consistent with this phenotype, homozygous VIP-Cre mice display intact SCN PER2::LUC rhythms, albeit with altered period and network organization. We present evidence that the ability to sustain molecular rhythms in the VIP-Cre SCN is not due to residual VIP signaling; rather, arginine vasopressin signaling helps to sustain SCN function at both intracellular and intercellular levels in this model. This work establishes that the VIP-IRES-Cre transgene interferes with VIP expression but that loss of VIP can be mitigated by other neuropeptide signals to help sustain SCN function. Our findings have implications for studies employing this transgenic model and provide novel insight into neuropeptide signals that sustain daily timekeeping in the master clock.

A Symphony of Signals: Intercellular and Intracellular Signaling Mechanisms Underlying Circadian Timekeeping in Mice and Flies

The central pacemakers of circadian timekeeping systems are highly robust yet adaptable, providing the temporal coordination of rhythms in behavior and physiological processes in accordance with the demands imposed by environmental cycles. These features of the central pacemaker are achieved by a multi-oscillator network in which individual cellular oscillators are tightly coupled to the environmental day-night cycle, and to one another via intercellular coupling. In this review, we will summarize the roles of various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the regulation of circadian entrainment and synchrony within the mammalian and Drosophila central pacemakers. We will also describe the diverse functions of protein kinases in the relay of input signals to the core oscillator or the direct regulation of the molecular clock machinery.

A saturated reaction in repressor synthesis creates a daytime dead zone in circadian clocks

Negative feedback loops (NFLs) for circadian clocks include light-responsive reactions that allow the clocks to shift their phase depending on the timing of light signals. Phase response curves (PRCs) for light signals in various organisms include a time interval called a dead zone where light signals cause no phase shift during daytime. Although the importance of the dead zone for robust light entrainment is known, how the dead zone arises from the biochemical reactions in an NFL underlying circadian gene expression rhythms remains unclear. In addition, the observation that the light-responsive reactions in the NFL vary between organisms raises the question as to whether the mechanism for dead zone formation is common or distinct between different organisms. Here we reveal by mathematical modeling that the saturation of a biochemical reaction in repressor synthesis in an NFL is a common mechanism of daytime dead zone generation. If light signals increase the degradation of a repressor protein, as in Drosophila, the saturation of repressor mRNA transcription nullifies the effect of light signals, generating a dead zone. In contrast, if light signals induce the transcription of repressor mRNA, as in mammals, the saturation of repressor translation can generate a dead zone by cancelling the influence of excess amount of mRNA induced by light signals. Each of these saturated reactions is located next to the light-responsive reaction in the NFL, suggesting a design principle for daytime dead zone generation.

Light-entrainable circadian clocks form behavioral and physiological rhythms in organisms. The light-entrainment properties of these clocks have been studied by measuring phase shifts caused by light pulses administered at different times. The phase response curves of various organisms include a time window called the dead zone where the phase of the clock does not respond to light pulses. However, the mechanism underlying the dead zone generation remains unclear. We show that the saturation of biochemical reactions in feedback loops for circadian oscillations generates a dead zone. The proposed mechanism is generic, as it functions in different models of the circadian clocks and biochemical oscillators. Our analysis indicates that light-entrainment properties are determined by biochemical reactions at the single-cell level.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide controls the suprachiasmatic circadian clock network via ERK1/2 and DUSP4 signalling

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) co-ordinates circadian behaviour and physiology in mammals. Its cell-autonomous circadian oscillations pivot around a well characterised transcriptional/translational feedback loop (TTFL), whilst the SCN circuit as a whole is synchronised to solar time by its retinorecipient cells that express and release vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The cell-autonomous and circuit-level mechanisms whereby VIP synchronises the SCN are poorly understood. We show that SCN slices in organotypic culture demonstrate rapid and sustained circuit-level circadian responses to VIP that are mediated at a cell-autonomous level. This is accompanied by changes across a broad transcriptional network and by significant VIP-directed plasticity in the internal phasing of the cell-autonomous TTFL. Signalling via ERK1/2 and tuning by its negative regulator DUSP4 are critical elements of the VIP-directed circadian re-programming. In summary, we provide detailed mechanistic insight into VIP signal transduction in the SCN at the level of genes, cells and neural circuit.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) synchronises daily rhythms of behaviour and physiology to the light-dark cycle. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is important for mediating SCN entrainment; however, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, the authors show that the effects of VIP on the SCN are mediated by ERK1/2 and DUSP4.

Development of the mammalian circadian clock

The mammalian circadian system is composed of a central clock situated in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral clocks of each tissue and organ in the body. While much has been learned about the pre- and postnatal development of the circadian system, there are still many unanswered questions about how and when cellular clocks start to tick and form the circadian system. Most SCN neurons contain a cell-autonomous circadian clock with individual specific periodicity. Therefore, the network of cellular oscillators is critical for the coherent rhythm expression and orchestration of the peripheral clocks by the SCN. The SCN is the only circadian clock entrained by an environmental light-dark cycle. Photic entrainment starts postnatally, and the SCN starts to function gradually as a central clock that controls physiological and behavioral rhythms during postnatal development. The SCN exhibits circadian rhythms in clock gene expression from the embryonic stage throughout postnatal life and the rhythm phenotypes remain basically unchanged. However, the disappearance of coherent circadian rhythms in cryptochrome-deficient SCN revealed changes in the SCN networks that occur in postnatal weeks 2-3. The SCN network consists of multiple clusters of cellular circadian rhythms that are differentially integrated by the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and arginine vasopressin signaling depending on the period of postnatal development.

Immunomodulatory Roles of PACAP and VIP: Lessons from Knockout Mice

A bidirectional cross-talk is established between the nervous and immune systems through common mediators including neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and cytokines. Among these, PACAP and VIP are two highly related neuropeptides widely distributed in the organism with purported immunomodulatory actions. Due to their well-known anti-inflammatory properties, administration of these peptides has proven to be beneficial in models of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the relevance of the endogenous source of these peptides in the modulation of immune responses remains to be elucidated. The development of transgenic mice with specific deletions in the genes coding for these neuropeptides (Vip and Adcyap1) or for their G-protein-coupled receptors VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1 (Vipr1, Vipr2, Adcyap1r1) has allowed to address this question, underscoring the complexity of the immunoregulatory properties of PACAP and VIP. The goal of this review is to integrate the existing information on the immune phenotypes of mice deficient for PACAP, VIP, or their receptors, to provide a global view on the roles of these endogenous neuropeptides during immunological health and disease.

PAC1- and VPAC2 receptors in light regulated behavior and physiology: Studies in single and double mutant mice

The two sister peptides, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and their receptors, the PAC1 -and the VPAC2 receptors, are involved in regulation of the circadian timing system. PACAP as a neurotransmitter in the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) and VIP as a neurotransmitter, involved in synchronization of SCN neurons. Behavior and physiology in VPAC2 deficient mice are strongly regulated by light most likely as a result of masking. Consequently, we used VPAC2 and PAC1/VPAC2 double mutant mice in comparison with PAC1 receptor deficient mice to further elucidate the role of PACAP in the light mediated regulation of behavior and physiology of the circadian system. We compared circadian rhythms in mice equipped with running wheels or implanted radio-transmitter measuring core body temperature kept in a full photoperiod ((FPP)(12:12 h light dark-cycles (LD)) and skeleton photo periods (SPP) at high and low light intensity. Furthermore, we examined the expression of PAC1- and VPAC2 receptors in the SCN of the different genotypes in combination with visualization of PACAP and VIP and determined whether compensatory changes in peptide and/or receptor expression in the reciprocal knockouts (KO) (PAC1 and VPAC2) had occurred. Our data demonstrate that in although being closely related at both ligand and receptor structure/sequence, PACAP/PAC1 receptor signaling are independent of VIP/VPAC2 receptor signaling and vice versa. Furthermore, lack of either of the receptors does not result in compensatory changes at neither the physiological or anatomical level. PACAP/PAC1 signaling is important for light regulated behavior, VIP/VPAC2signaling for stable clock function and both signaling pathways may play a role in shaping diurnality versus nocturnality.

Hypothesis driven single cell dual oscillator mathematical model of circadian rhythms

Molecular mechanisms responsible for 24 h circadian oscillations, entrainment to external cues, encoding of day length and the time-of-day effects have been well studied experimentally. However, it is still debated from the molecular network point of view whether each cell in suprachiasmatic nuclei harbors two molecular oscillators, where one tracks dawn and the other tracks dusk activities. A single cell dual morning and evening oscillator was proposed by Daan et al., based on the molecular network that has two sets of similar non-redundant per1/cry1 and per2/cry2 circadian genes and each can independently maintain their endogenous oscillations. Understanding of dual oscillator dynamics in a single cell at molecular level may provide insight about the circadian mechanisms that encodes day length variations and its response to external zeitgebers. We present here a realistic dual oscillator model of circadian rhythms based on the series of hypotheses proposed by Daan et al., in which they conjectured that the circadian genes per1/cry1 track dawn while per2/cry2 tracks dusk and they together constitute the morning and evening oscillators (dual oscillator). Their hypothesis also provides explanations about the encoding of day length in terms of molecular mechanisms of per/cry expression. We frame a minimal mathematical model with the assumption that per1 acts a morning oscillator and per2 acts as an evening oscillator and to support and interpret this assumption we fit the model to the experimental data of per1/per2 circadian temporal dynamics, phase response curves (PRC's), and entrainment phenomena under various light-dark conditions. We also capture different patterns of splitting phenomena by coupling two single cell dual oscillators with neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) as the coupling agents and provide interpretation for the occurrence of splitting in terms of ME oscillators, though they are not required to explain the morning and evening oscillators. The proposed dual oscillator model based on Daan's hypothesis supports per1 and per2 playing the role of morning and evening oscillators respectively and this may be the first step towards the understanding of the core molecular mechanism responsible for encoding the day length.

Differential roles of AVP and VIP signaling in the postnatal changes of neural networks for coherent circadian rhythms in the SCN

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the site of the master circadian clock in mammals. The SCN neural network plays a critical role in expressing the tissue-level circadian rhythm. Previously, we demonstrated postnatal changes in the SCN network in mice, in which the clock gene products CRYPTOCHROMES (CRYs) are involved. Here, we show that vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) signaling is essential for the tissue-level circadian PER2::LUC rhythm in the neonatal SCN of CRY double-deficient mice (Cry1,2 (-/-) ). VIP and arginine vasopressin (AVP) signaling showed redundancy in expressing the tissue-level circadian rhythm in the SCN. AVP synthesis was significantly attenuated in the Cry1,2 (-/-) SCN, which contributes to aperiodicity in the adult mice together with an attenuation of VIP signaling as a natural process of ontogeny. The SCN network consists of multiple clusters of cellular circadian rhythms that are differentially integrated by AVP and VIP signaling, depending on the postnatal period.

Effects of Photoperiod Extension on Clock Gene and Neuropeptide RNA Expression in the SCN of the Soay Sheep

In mammals, changing daylength (photoperiod) is the main synchronizer of seasonal functions. The photoperiodic information is transmitted through the retino-hypothalamic tract to the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), site of the master circadian clock. To investigate effects of day length change on the sheep SCN, we used in-situ hybridization to assess the daily temporal organization of expression of circadian clock genes (Per1, Per2, Bmal1 and Fbxl21) and neuropeptides (Vip, Grp and Avp) in animals acclimated to a short photoperiod (SP; 8h of light) and at 3 or 15 days following transfer to a long photoperiod (LP3, LP15, respectively; 16h of light), achieved by an acute 8-h delay of lights off. We found that waveforms of SCN gene expression conformed to those previously seen in LP acclimated animals within 3 days of transfer to LP. Mean levels of expression for Per1-2 and Fbxl21 were nearly 2-fold higher in the LP15 than in the SP group. The expression of Vip was arrhythmic and unaffected by photoperiod, while, in contrast to rodents, Grp expression was not detectable within the sheep SCN. Expression of the circadian output gene Avp cycled robustly in all photoperiod groups with no detectable change in phasing. Overall these data suggest that synchronizing effects of light on SCN circadian organisation proceed similarly in ungulates and in rodents, despite differences in neuropeptide gene expression.

Collective timekeeping among cells of the master circadian clock

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus is the master circadian clock that coordinates daily rhythms in behavior and physiology in mammals. Like other hypothalamic nuclei, the SCN displays an impressive array of distinct cell types characterized by differences in neurotransmitter and neuropeptide expression. Individual SCN neurons and glia are able to display self-sustained circadian rhythms in cellular function that are regulated at the molecular level by a 24h transcriptional-translational feedback loop. Remarkably, SCN cells are able to harmonize with one another to sustain coherent rhythms at the tissue level. Mechanisms of cellular communication in the SCN network are not completely understood, but recent progress has provided insight into the functional roles of several SCN signaling factors. This review discusses SCN organization, how intercellular communication is critical for maintaining network function, and the signaling mechanisms that play a role in this process. Despite recent progress, our understanding of SCN circuitry and coupling is far from complete. Further work is needed to map SCN circuitry fully and define the signaling mechanisms that allow for collective timekeeping in the SCN network.

Clock Genes, Oscillators, and Cellular Networks in the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei

The mammalian SCN contains a biological clock that drives remarkably precise circadian rhythms in vivo and in vitro. Recent advances have revealed molecular and cellular mechanisms required for the generation of these daily rhythms and their synchronization between SCN neurons and to the environmental light cycle. This review of the evidence for a cell-autonomous circadian pacemaker within specialized neurons of the SCN focuses on 6 genes implicated within the pace making mechanism, an additional 4 genes implicated in pathways from the pacemaker, and the intercellular and intracellular mechanisms that synchronize SCN neurons to each other and to solar time.

SCN Organization Reconsidered

The SCN has long had organizational schemas imposed on it. In most, the SCN is dichotomized, with one region typically associated with the presence of vasopressin cells and the other associated with cells containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and certain afferent terminal fields. If assumed to be accurate, the schemas that have been intended to simplify and conceptually organize the known anatomy may actually interfere with the understanding of how various cell types and input pathways contribute to circadian rhythm regulation. This review describes inadequacies of existing schemas and notes several practical difficulties that undermine their usefulness. These include “static” versus “dynamic” anatomy, generalizations about SCN organization in relation to the plane or level of section, and the concept of differential density, all of which contribute to a view in which the SCN is substantially more complex than typically depicted in oversimplified line drawings. The need for accurate topographical description is emphasized.

Phase shifts to light are altered by antagonists to neuropeptide receptors

The mammalian circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a heterogeneous structure. Two key populations of cells that receive retinal input and are believed to participate in circadian responses to light are cells that contain vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). VIP acts primarily through the VPAC2 receptor, while GRP works primarily through the BB2 receptor. Both VIP and GRP phase shift the circadian clock in a manner similar to light when applied to the SCN, both in vivo and in vitro, indicating that they are sufficient to elicit photic-like phase shifts. However, it is not known if they are necessary signals for light to elicit phase shifts. Here we test the hypothesis that GRP and VIP are necessary signaling components for the photic phase shifting of the hamster circadian clock by examining two antagonists for each of these neuropeptides. The BB2 antagonist PD176252 had no effect on light-induced delays on its own, while the BB2 antagonist RC-3095 had the unexpected effect of significantly potentiating both phase delays and advances. Neither of the VIP antagonists ([d-p-Cl-Phe6, Leu17]-VIP, or PG99-465) altered phase shifting responses to light on their own. When the BB2 antagonist PD176252 and the VPAC2 antagonist PG99-465 were delivered together to the SCN, phase delays were significantly attenuated. These results indicate that photic phase shifting requires participation of either VIP or GRP; phase shifts to light are only impaired when signalling in both pathways are inhibited. Additionally, the unexpected potentiation of light-induced phase shifts by RC-3095 should be investigated further for potential chronobiotic applications.

Deconstructing Circadian Rhythmicity with Models and Manipulations

A master brain clock, localized to the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), coordinates daily rhythms of physiology and behavior. Within the SCN, interconnected individual neurons are oscillators that, as an ensemble, function to send a coherent timing signal to the brain and body. However, individually, these neurons display different amplitudes, periods, and phases of oscillation. The dynamic properties of the SCN have been characterized over several spatial levels of analysis, from proteins to cells to tissues, and over several temporal ranges, from milliseconds to weeks. Modeling tools guide empirical research in this complex and multiscale spatiotemporal environment. Given that the SCN is a prototypical example of oscillating neural systems, principles of its organization hold promise as general prototypes of rhythms in other frequencies.

Timing by rhythms: Daily clocks and developmental rulers

Biological rhythms are widespread, allowing organisms to temporally organize their behavior and metabolism in advantageous ways. Such proper timing of molecular and cellular events is critical to their development and health. This is best understood in the case of the circadian clock that orchestrates the daily sleep/wake cycle of organisms. Temporal rhythms can also be used for spatial organization, if information from an oscillating system can be recorded within the tissue in a manner that leaves a permanent periodic pattern. One example of this is the "segmentation clock" used by the vertebrate embryo to rhythmically and sequentially subdivide its elongating body axis. The segmentation clock moves with the elongation of the embryo, such that its period sets the segment length as the tissue grows outward. Although the study of this system is still relatively young compared to the circadian clock, outlines of molecular, cellular, and tissue-level regulatory mechanisms of timing have emerged. The question remains, however, is it truly a clock? Here we seek to introduce the segmentation clock to a wider audience of chronobiologists, focusing on the role and control of timing in the system. We compare and contrast the segmentation clock with the circadian clock, and propose that the segmentation clock is actually an oscillatory ruler, with a primary function to measure embryonic space.

Constant light enhances synchrony among circadian clock cells and promotes behavioral rhythms in VPAC2-signaling deficient mice

Individual neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) contain an intracellular molecular clock and use intercellular signaling to synchronize their timekeeping activities so that the SCN can coordinate brain physiology and behavior. The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and its VPAC₂ receptor form a key component of intercellular signaling systems in the SCN and critically control cellular coupling. Targeted mutations in either the intracellular clock or intercellular neuropeptide signaling mechanisms, such as VIP-VPAC₂ signaling, can lead to desynchronization of SCN neuronal clocks and loss of behavioral rhythms. An important goal in chronobiology is to develop interventions to correct deficiencies in circadian timekeeping. Here we show that extended exposure to constant light promotes synchrony among SCN clock cells and the expression of ~24 h rhythms in behavior in mice in which intercellular signaling is disrupted through loss of VIP-VPAC₂ signaling. This study highlights the importance of SCN synchrony for the expression of rhythms in behavior and reveals how non-invasive manipulations in the external environment can be used to overcome neurochemical communication deficits in this important brain system.

Neuromedin s-producing neurons act as essential pacemakers in the suprachiasmatic nucleus to couple clock neurons and dictate circadian rhythms

Circadian behavior in mammals is orchestrated by neurons within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), yet the neuronal population necessary for the generation of timekeeping remains unknown. We show that a subset of SCN neurons expressing the neuropeptide neuromedin S (NMS) plays an essential role in the generation of daily rhythms in behavior. We demonstrate that lengthening period within Nms neurons is sufficient to lengthen period of the SCN and behavioral circadian rhythms. Conversely, mice without a functional molecular clock within Nms neurons lack synchronous molecular oscillations and coherent behavioral daily rhythms. Interestingly, we found that mice lacking Nms and its closely related paralog, Nmu, do not lose in vivo circadian rhythms. However, blocking vesicular transmission from Nms neurons with intact cell-autonomous clocks disrupts the timing mechanisms of the SCN, revealing that Nms neurons define a subpopulation of pacemakers that control SCN network synchrony and in vivo circadian rhythms through intercellular synaptic transmission.

Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption and recognition memory in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia patients often show irregularities in sleep and circadian rhythms and deficits in recognition memory. Similar phenotypes are seen in schizophrenia-relevant genetic mouse models, such as synaptosomal associated protein of 25 kDa (Snap-25) point mutant mice, vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 (Vipr2) knockout mice, and neuregulin 1 (Nrg1)-deficient mice. Sleep and circadian abnormalities and impaired recognition memory may be causally related in both schizophrenia patients and schizophrenia-relevant mouse models, since sleep deprivation, abnormal photic input, and the manipulation of core clock genes (cryptochrome 1/2) can all disrupt object recognition memory in rodent models. The recognition deficits observed in patients and mouse models (both schizophrenia-related and -unrelated) are discussed here in terms of the dual-process theory of recognition, which postulates that there are two recognition mechanisms-recollection versus familiarity-that can be selectively impaired by brain lesions, neuropsychiatric conditions, and putatively, sleep and circadian rhythm disruption. However, based on this view, the findings from patient studies and studies using genetic mouse models (Nrg1 deficiency) seem to be inconsistent with each other. Schizophrenia patients are impaired at recollection (and to a lesser extent, familiarity judgments), but Nrg1-deficient mice are impaired at familiarity-based object recognition, raising concerns regarding the validity of using these genetically modified mice to model recognition phenotypes observed in patients. This issue can be resolved in future animal studies by examining performance in different variants of the spontaneous recognition task-the standard, perirhinal cortex-dependent, object recognition task versus the hippocampus-dependent object-place recognition task-in order to see which of the two recognition mechanisms is more disrupted.

Rhythmic control of activity and sleep by class B1 GPCRs

Members of the class B1 family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) whose ligands are neuropeptides have been implicated in regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep in diverse metazoan clades. This review discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which class B1 GPCRs, especially the mammalian VPAC2 receptor and its functional homologue PDFR in Drosophila and C. elegans, regulate arousal and daily rhythms of sleep and wake. There are remarkable parallels in the cellular and molecular roles played by class B1 intercellular signaling pathways in coordinating arousal and circadian timekeeping across multiple cells and tissues in these very different genetic model organisms.

Dynamic interactions mediated by nonredundant signaling mechanisms couple circadian clock neurons

Interactions among suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons are required for robust circadian rhythms entrained to local time. To investigate these signaling mechanisms, we developed a functional coupling assay that uniquely captures the dynamic process by which SCN neurons interact. As a population, SCN neurons typically display synchronized rhythms with similar peak times, but will peak 6-12 hr apart after in vivo exposure to long days. Once they are removed from these conditions, SCN neurons resynchronize through a phase-dependent coupling process mediated by both vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and GABAA signaling. Notably, GABAA signaling contributes to coupling when the SCN network is in an antiphase configuration, but opposes synchrony under steady-state conditions. Further, VIP acts together with GABAA signaling to couple the network in an antiphase configuration, but promotes synchrony under steady-state conditions by counteracting the actions of GABAA signaling. Thus, SCN neurons interact through nonredundant coupling mechanisms influenced by the state of the network.

A neuropeptide speeds circadian entrainment by reducing intercellular synchrony

Shift work or transmeridian travel can desynchronize the body's circadian rhythms from local light-dark cycles. The mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) generates and entrains daily rhythms in physiology and behavior. Paradoxically, we found that vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), a neuropeptide implicated in synchrony among SCN cells, can also desynchronize them. The degree and duration of desynchronization among SCN neurons depended on both the phase and the dose of VIP. A model of the SCN consisting of coupled stochastic cells predicted both the phase- and the dose-dependent response to VIP and that the transient phase desynchronization, or "phase tumbling", could arise from intrinsic, stochastic noise in small populations of key molecules (notably, Period mRNA near its daily minimum). The model also predicted that phase tumbling following brief VIP treatment would accelerate entrainment to shifted environmental cycles. We tested this using a prepulse of VIP during the day before a shift in either a light cycle in vivo or a temperature cycle in vitro. Although VIP during the day does not shift circadian rhythms, the VIP pretreatment approximately halved the time required for mice to reentrain to an 8-h shifted light schedule and for SCN cultures to reentrain to a 10-h shifted temperature cycle. We conclude that VIP below 100 nM synchronizes SCN cells and above 100 nM reduces synchrony in the SCN. We show that exploiting these mechanisms that transiently reduce cellular synchrony before a large shift in the schedule of daily environmental cues has the potential to reduce jet lag.

The circadian system in Alzheimer's disease: disturbances, mechanisms, and opportunities

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition associated with severe cognitive and behavioral impairments. Circadian rhythms are recurring cycles that display periods of approximately 24 hours and are driven by an endogenous circadian timekeeping system centered on the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. We review the compelling evidence that circadian rhythms are significantly disturbed in AD and that such disturbance is of significant clinical importance in terms of behavioral symptoms. We also detail findings from neuropathological studies of brain areas associated with the circadian system in postmortem studies, the use of animal models of AD in the investigation of circadian processes, and the evidence that chronotherapeutic approaches aimed at bolstering weakened circadian rhythms in AD produce beneficial outcomes. We argue that further investigation in such areas is warranted and highlight areas for future research that might prove fruitful in ultimately providing new treatment options for this most serious and intractable of conditions.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide produces long-lasting changes in neural activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is expressed at high levels in the neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). While VIP is known to be important to the input and output pathways from the SCN, the physiological effects of VIP on electrical activity of SCN neurons are not well known. Here the impact of VIP on firing rate of SCN neurons was investigated in mouse slice cultures recorded during the night. The application of VIP produced an increase in electrical activity in SCN slices that lasted several hours after treatment. This is a novel mechanism by which this peptide can produce long-term changes in central nervous system physiology. The increase in action potential frequency was blocked by a VIP receptor antagonist and lost in a VIP receptor knockout mouse. In addition, inhibitors of both the Epac family of cAMP binding proteins and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) blocked the induction by VIP. The persistent increase in spike rate following VIP application was not seen in SCN neurons from mice deficient in Kv3 channel proteins and was dependent on the clock protein PER1. These findings suggest that VIP regulates the long-term firing rate of SCN neurons through a VIPR2-mediated increase in the cAMP pathway and implicate the fast delayed rectifier (FDR) potassium currents as one of the targets of this regulation.

Genetic susceptibility to refractive error: association of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 (VIPR2) with high myopia in Chinese

Myopia is the most common ocular disease worldwide. We investigated the association of high myopia with the common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five candidate genes – early growth response 1 (EGR1), v-fos FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS), jun oncogene (JUN), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 (VIPR2). We recruited 1200 unrelated Chinese subjects with 600 cases (spherical equivalent ≤−8.00 diopters) and 600 controls (spherical equivalent within ±1.00 diopter). A discovery sample set was formed from 300 cases and 300 controls, and a replication sample set from the remaining samples. Tag SNPs were genotyped for the discovery sample set, and the most significant haplotypes and their constituent SNPs were followed up with the replication sample set. The allele and haplotype frequencies in cases and controls were compared by logistic regression adjusted for sex and age to give P_a values, and multiple comparisons were corrected by permutation test to give P_aemp values. Odd ratios (OR) were calculated accordingly. In the discovery phase, EGR1, JUN and VIP did not show any significant association while FOS and VIPR2 demonstrated significant haplotype association with high myopia. In the replication phase, the haplotype association for VIPR2 was successfully replicated, but not FOS. In analysis combining both sample sets, the most significant association signals of VIPR2 were the single marker rs2071625 (P_a = 0.0008, P_aemp = 0.0046 and OR = 0.75) and the 4-SNP haplotype window rs2071623-rs2071625-rs2730220-rs885863 (omnibus test, P_a = 9.10e-10 and P_aemp = 0.0001) with one protective haplotype (GGGG: P_aemp = 0.0002 and OR = 0.52) and one high-risk haplotype (GAGA: P_aemp = 0.0027 and OR = 4.68). This 4-SNP haplotype window was the most significant in all sample sets examined. This is the first study to suggest a role of VIPR2 in the genetic susceptibility to high myopia. EGR1, JUN, FOS and VIP are unlikely to be important in predisposing humans to high myopia.

Spatiotemporal distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptor 2 in mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) signaling is critical for circadian rhythms. For example, the expression of VIP and its main receptor, VPAC2R, is necessary for maintaining synchronous daily rhythms among neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a master circadian pacemaker in animals. Where and when VPAC2R protein is expressed in the SCN and other brain areas has not been examined. Using immunohistochemistry, we characterized a new antibody and found that VPAC2R was highly enriched in the SCN and detectable at low levels in many brain areas. Within the SCN, VPAC2R was circadian, peaking in the subjective morning, and abundantly expressed from the rostral to caudal margins with more in the dorsomedial than ventrolateral area. VPAC2R was found in nearly all SCN cells including neurons expressing either VIP or vasopressin (AVP). SCN neurons mainly expressed VPAC2R in their somata and dendrites, not axons. Finally, constant light increased VIP and AVP expression, but not VPAC2R. We conclude that the circadian clock, not the ambient light level, regulates VPAC2R protein localization. These results are consistent with VPAC2R playing a role in VIP signaling at all times of day, broadly throughout the brain and in all SCN cells.

Metabolism and the circadian clock converge

Circadian rhythms occur in almost all species and control vital aspects of our physiology, from sleeping and waking to neurotransmitter secretion and cellular metabolism. Epidemiological studies from recent decades have supported a unique role for circadian rhythm in metabolism. As evidenced by individuals working night or rotating shifts, but also by rodent models of circadian arrhythmia, disruption of the circadian cycle is strongly associated with metabolic imbalance. Some genetically engineered mouse models of circadian rhythmicity are obese and show hallmark signs of the metabolic syndrome. Whether these phenotypes are due to the loss of distinct circadian clock genes within a specific tissue versus the disruption of rhythmic physiological activities (such as eating and sleeping) remains a cynosure within the fields of chronobiology and metabolism. Becoming more apparent is that from metabolites to transcription factors, the circadian clock interfaces with metabolism in numerous ways that are essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

Altered rhythm of adrenal clock genes, StAR and serum corticosterone in VIP receptor 2-deficient mice

The circadian time-keeping system consists of clocks in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and in peripheral organs including an adrenal clock linked to the rhythmic corticosteroid production by regulating steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Clock cells contain an autonomous molecular oscillator based on a group of clock genes and their protein products. Mice lacking the VPAC2 receptor display disrupted circadian rhythm of physiology and behaviour, and therefore, we using real-time RT-PCR quantified (1) the mRNAs for the clock genes Per1 and Bmal1 in the adrenal gland and SCN, (2) the adrenal Star mRNA and (3) the serum corticosterone concentration both during a light/dark (L/D) cycle and at constant darkness in wild type (WT) and VPAC2 receptor-deficient mice (VPAC2-KO). We also examined if PER1 and StAR were co-localised in the adrenal steroidogenic cells. Per1 and Bmal1 mRNA showed a 24-h rhythmic expression in the adrenal of WT mice under L/D and dark conditions. During a L/D cycle, the adrenal clock gene rhythm in VPAC2-KO mice was phase-advanced by approximately 6 h compared to WT mice and became arrhythmic in constant darkness. A significant 24-h rhythmic variation in the adrenal Star mRNA expression and circulating corticosterone concentration was similarly phase-advanced during the L/D cycle. The loss of adrenal clock gene rhythm in the VPAC2 receptor knockout mice after transfer into constant darkness was accompanied by disappearance of rhythmicity in Star mRNA expression and serum corticosterone concentration. Double immunohistochemistry showed that the PER1 protein and StAR were co-localised in the same steroidogenic cells. Circulating corticosterone plays a role in the circadian timing system and the misaligned corticosterone rhythm in the VPAC2 receptor knockout mice could be involved in their abnormal rhythms of physiology.

Pharmacology and functions of receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide: IUPHAR review 1

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are members of a superfamily of structurally related peptide hormones that includes glucagon, glucagon-like peptides, secretin, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). VIP and PACAP exert their actions through three GPCRs - PAC(1) , VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) - belonging to class B (also referred to as class II, or secretin receptor-like GPCRs). This family comprises receptors for all peptides structurally related to VIP and PACAP, and also receptors for parathyroid hormone, corticotropin-releasing factor, calcitonin and related peptides. PAC(1) receptors are selective for PACAP, whereas VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) respond to both VIP and PACAP with high affinity. VIP and PACAP play diverse and important roles in the CNS, with functions in the control of circadian rhythms, learning and memory, anxiety and responses to stress and brain injury. Recent genetic studies also implicate the VPAC(2) receptor in susceptibility to schizophrenia and the PAC(1) receptor in post-traumatic stress disorder. In the periphery, VIP and PACAP play important roles in the control of immunity and inflammation, the control of pancreatic insulin secretion, the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and as co-transmitters in autonomic and sensory neurons. This article, written by members of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Committee on Receptor Nomenclature and Drug Classification (NC-IUPHAR) subcommittee on receptors for VIP and PACAP, confirms the existing nomenclature for these receptors and reviews our current understanding of their structure, pharmacology and functions and their likely physiological roles in health and disease. More detailed information has been incorporated into newly revised pages in the IUPHAR database (http://www.iuphar-db.org/DATABASE/FamilyMenuForward?familyId=67).

Feedback actions of locomotor activity to the circadian clock

The phase of the mammalian circadian system can be entrained to a range of environmental stimuli, or zeitgebers, including food availability and light. Further, locomotor activity can act as an entraining signal and represents a mechanism for an endogenous behavior to feedback and influence subsequent circadian function. This process involves a number of nuclei distributed across the brain stem, thalamus, and hypothalamus and ultimately alters SCN electrical and molecular function to induce phase shifts in the master circadian pacemaker. Locomotor activity feedback to the circadian system is effective across both nocturnal and diurnal species, including humans, and has recently been shown to improve circadian function in a mouse model with a weakened circadian system. This raises the possibility that exercise may be useful as a noninvasive treatment in cases of human circadian dysfunction including aging, shift work, transmeridian travel, and the blind.

Quantitative analysis of phase wave of gene expression in the mammalian central circadian clock network

Background

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian clock, is a heterogeneous oscillator network, yet displays a robust synchronization dynamics. Recent single-cell bioluminescent imaging revealed temporal gradients in circadian clock gene expression in the SCN ex vivo. However, due to technical difficulty in biological approaches to elucidate the entire network structure of the SCN, characteristics of the gradient, which we refer to as phase wave, remain unknown.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We implemented new approaches, i.e., quantitative analysis and model simulation to characterize the phase waves in Per2::Luciferase clock reporter gene expression of the rat SCN slice. Our quantitative study demonstrated not only a high degree of synchronization between the neurons and regular occurrence of the phase wave propagation, but also a significant amount of phase fluctuations contained in the wave. In addition, our simulations based on local coupling model suggest that the intercellular coupling strength estimated by the model simulations is significantly higher than the critical value for generating the phase waves. Model simulations also suggest that heterogeneity of the SCN neurons is one of the main factors causing the phase wave fluctuations. Furthermore, robustness of the SCN network against dynamical noise and variation of the natural frequencies inherent in these neurons was quantitatively assessed.

Conclusions/Significance

To our knowledge, this is the first quantitative evaluation of the phase wave and further characterization of the SCN neuronal network features generating the wave i.e., intercellular synchrony, phase fluctuation, strong local coupling, heterogeneous periodicity and robustness. Our present study provides an approach, which will lead to a comprehensive understanding of mechanistic and/or biological significance of the phase wave in the central circadian oscillatory system.

Characterization of intestinal and pancreatic dysfunction in VPAC1-null mutant mouse

OBJECTIVES

These studies examined the effect of homozygous deletion of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 1 (VPAC1) on development and function of intestines and pancreas.

METHODS

Genetically engineered VPAC1-null mutant mice were monitored for growth, development, and glucose homeostasis. Expression of VPAC1 was examined during embryonic development using VPAC1 promoter-driven β-galactosidase transgenic mice.

RESULTS

Homozygous deletion of VPAC1 resulted in fetal, neonatal, and postweaning death owing to failure to thrive, intestinal obstruction, and hypoglycemia. Histological findings demonstrated disorganized hyperproliferation of intestinal epithelial cells with mucus deposition and bowel wall thickening. The pancreas demonstrated small dysmorphic islets of Langerhans containing α, β, and δ cells. Expression of a VPAC1 promoter-driven transgene was observed in E12.5 and E14.5 intestinal epithelial and pancreatic endocrine cells. Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 1-null mutant animals had lower baseline blood glucose levels compared to both heterozygous and wild-type littermates. Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 1-deficient mice responded to oral glucose challenge with normal rise in blood glucose followed by rapid hypoglycemia and failure to restore baseline glucose levels. Insulin challenge resulted in profound hypoglycemia and inadequate glucose homeostasis in VPAC1-null mutant animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations support a role for VPAC1 during embryonic and neonatal development of intestines and endocrine pancreas.

Cell autonomy and synchrony of suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian oscillators

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is the site of the master circadian pacemaker in mammals. The individual cells of the SCN are capable of functioning independently from one another and therefore must form a cohesive circadian network through intercellular coupling. The network properties of the SCN lead to coordination of circadian rhythms among its neurons and neuronal subpopulations. There is increasing evidence for multiple interconnected oscillators within the SCN, and in this review we will highlight recent advances in our knowledge of the complex organization and function of the cellular and network-level SCN clock. Understanding the way in which synchrony is achieved between cells in the SCN will provide insight into the means by which this important nucleus orchestrates circadian rhythms throughout the organism.

A fear-inducing odor alters PER2 and c-Fos expression in brain regions involved in fear memory

Evidence demonstrates that rodents learn to associate a foot shock with time of day, indicating the formation of a fear related time-stamp memory, even in the absence of a functioning SCN. In addition, mice acquire and retain fear memory better during the early day compared to the early night. This type of memory may be regulated by circadian pacemakers outside of the SCN. As a first step in testing the hypothesis that clock genes are involved in the formation of a time-stamp fear memory, we exposed one group of mice to fox feces derived odor (TMT) at ZT 0 and one group at ZT 12 for 4 successive days. A separate group with no exposure to TMT was also included as a control. Animals were sacrificed one day after the last exposure to TMT, and PER2 and c-Fos protein were quantified in the SCN, amygdala, hippocampus, and piriform cortex. Exposure to TMT had a strong effect at ZT 0, decreasing PER2 expression at this time point in most regions except the SCN, and reversing the normal rhythm of PER2 expression in the amygdala and piriform cortex. These changes were accompanied by increased c-Fos expression at ZT0. In contrast, exposure to TMT at ZT 12 abolished the rhythm of PER2 expression in the amygdala. In addition, increased c-Fos expression at ZT 12 was only detected in the central nucleus of the amygdala in the TMT12 group. TMT exposure at either time point did not affect PER2 or c-Fos in the SCN, indicating that under a light-dark cycle, the SCN rhythm is stable in the presence of repeated exposure to a fear-inducing stimulus. Taken together, these results indicate that entrainment to a fear-inducing stimulus leads to changes in PER2 and c-Fos expression that are detected 24 hours following the last exposure to TMT, indicating entrainment of endogenous oscillators in these regions. The observed effects on PER2 expression and c-Fos were stronger during the early day than during the early night, possibly to prepare appropriate systems at ZT 0 to respond to a fear-inducing stimulus.

Neuropeptide signaling differentially affects phase maintenance and rhythm generation in SCN and extra-SCN circadian oscillators

Circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior are coordinated by the brain's dominant circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and its receptor, VPAC(2), play important roles in the functioning of the SCN pacemaker. Mice lacking VPAC(2) receptors (Vipr2(-/-)) express disrupted behavioral and metabolic rhythms and show altered SCN neuronal activity and clock gene expression. Within the brain, the SCN is not the only site containing endogenous circadian oscillators, nor is it the only site of VPAC(2) receptor expression; both VPAC(2) receptors and rhythmic clock gene/protein expression have been noted in the arcuate (Arc) and dorsomedial (DMH) nuclei of the mediobasal hypothalamus, and in the pituitary gland. The functional role of VPAC(2) receptors in rhythm generation and maintenance in these tissues is, however, unknown. We used wild type (WT) and Vipr2(-/-) mice expressing a luciferase reporter (PER2::LUC) to investigate whether circadian rhythms in the clock gene protein PER2 in these extra-SCN tissues were compromised by the absence of the VPAC(2) receptor. Vipr2(-/-) SCN cultures expressed significantly lower amplitude PER2::LUC oscillations than WT SCN. Surprisingly, in Vipr2(-/-) Arc/ME/PT complex (Arc, median eminence and pars tuberalis), DMH and pituitary, the period, amplitude and rate of damping of rhythms were not significantly different to WT. Intriguingly, while we found WT SCN and Arc/ME/PT tissues to maintain a consistent circadian phase when cultured, the phase of corresponding Vipr2(-/-) cultures was reset by cull/culture procedure. These data demonstrate that while the main rhythm parameters of extra-SCN circadian oscillations are maintained in Vipr2(-/-) mice, the ability of these oscillators to resist phase shifts is compromised. These deficiencies may contribute towards the aberrant behavior and metabolism associated with Vipr2(-/-) animals. Further, our data indicate a link between circadian rhythm strength and the ability of tissues to resist circadian phase resetting.

Temporal phasing of locomotor activity, heart rate rhythmicity, and core body temperature is disrupted in VIP receptor 2-deficient mice

Neurons of the brain's biological clock located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) generate circadian rhythms of physiology (core body temperature, hormone secretion, locomotor activity, sleep/wake, and heart rate) with distinct temporal phasing when entrained by the light/dark (LD) cycle. The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal polypetide (VIP) and its receptor (VPAC2) are highly expressed in the SCN. Recent studies indicate that VIPergic signaling plays an essential role in the maintenance of ongoing circadian rhythmicity by synchronizing SCN cells and by maintaining rhythmicity within individual neurons. To further increase the understanding of the role of VPAC2 signaling in circadian regulation, we implanted telemetric devices and simultaneously measured core body temperature, spontaneous activity, and heart rate in a strain of VPAC2-deficient mice and compared these observations with observations made from mice examined by wheel-running activity. The study demonstrates that VPAC2 signaling is necessary for a functional circadian clock driving locomotor activity, core body temperature, and heart rate rhythmicity, since VPAC2-deficient mice lose the rhythms in all three parameters when placed under constant conditions (of either light or darkness). Furthermore, although 24-h rhythms for three parameters are retained in VPAC2-deficient mice during the LD cycle, the temperature rhythm displays markedly altered time course and profile, rising earlier and peaking ∼4–6 h prior to that of wild-type mice. The use of telemetric devices to measure circadian locomotor activity, temperature, and heart rate, together with the classical determination of circadian rhythms of wheel-running activity, raises questions about how representative wheel-running activity may be of other behavioral parameters, especially when animals have altered circadian phenotype.