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Ono D, Weaver DR, Hastings MH, Honma KI, Honma S, Silver R. The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus at 50: Looking Back, Then Looking Forward. J Biol Rhythms 2024; 39:135-165. [PMID: 38366616 PMCID: PMC7615910 DOI: 10.1177/07487304231225706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
It has been 50 years since the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was first identified as the central circadian clock and 25 years since the last overview of developments in the field was published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms. Here, we explore new mechanisms and concepts that have emerged in the subsequent 25 years. Since 1997, methodological developments, such as luminescent and fluorescent reporter techniques, have revealed intricate relationships between cellular and network-level mechanisms. In particular, specific neuropeptides such as arginine vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and gastrin-releasing peptide have been identified as key players in the synchronization of cellular circadian rhythms within the SCN. The discovery of multiple oscillators governing behavioral and physiological rhythms has significantly advanced our understanding of the circadian clock. The interaction between neurons and glial cells has been found to play a crucial role in regulating these circadian rhythms within the SCN. Furthermore, the properties of the SCN network vary across ontogenetic stages. The application of cell type-specific genetic manipulations has revealed components of the functional input-output system of the SCN and their correlation with physiological functions. This review concludes with the high-risk effort of identifying open questions and challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ono
- Stress Recognition and Response, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - David R Weaver
- Department of Neurobiology and NeuroNexus Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael H Hastings
- Division of Neurobiology, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ken-Ichi Honma
- Research and Education Center for Brain Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders, Sapporo Hanazono Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sato Honma
- Research and Education Center for Brain Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders, Sapporo Hanazono Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Rae Silver
- Stress Recognition and Response, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neural Regulation, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience & Behavior, Barnard College and Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
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2
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Ma W, Li L, Kong L, Zhang H, Yuan P, Huang Z, Wang Y. Whole-brain monosynaptic inputs to lateral periaqueductal gray glutamatergic neurons in mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4147-4159. [PMID: 37424163 PMCID: PMC10651995 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG), which mainly contains glutamatergic neurons, plays an important role in social responses, pain, and offensive and defensive behaviors. Currently, the whole-brain monosynaptic inputs to LPAG glutamatergic neurons are unknown. This study aims to explore the structural framework of the underlying neural mechanisms of LPAG glutamatergic neurons. METHODS This study used retrograde tracing systems based on the rabies virus, Cre-LoxP technology, and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS We found that 59 nuclei projected monosynaptic inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. In addition, seven hypothalamic nuclei, namely the lateral hypothalamic area (LH), lateral preoptic area (LPO), substantia innominata (SI), medial preoptic area, ventral pallidum, posterior hypothalamic area, and lateral globus pallidus, projected most densely to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons. Notably, we discovered through further immunofluorescence analysis that the inputs to the LPAG glutamatergic neurons were colocalized with several markers related to important neurological functions associated with physiological behaviors. CONCLUSION The LPAG glutamatergic neurons received dense projections from the hypothalamus, especially nuclei such as LH, LPO, and SI. The input neurons were colocalized with several markers of physiological behaviors, which show the pivotal role of glutamatergic neurons in the physiological behaviors regulation by LPAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Xiang Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ling‐Xi Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re‐evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, School of PharmacyWannan Medical CollegeWuhuChina
| | - Ping‐Chuan Yuan
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re‐evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, School of PharmacyWannan Medical CollegeWuhuChina
| | - Zhi‐Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Qun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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3
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Sun L, Zhu M, Wang M, Hao Y, Hao Y, Jing X, Yu H, Shi Y, Zhang X, Wang S, Yuan F, Yuan XS. Whole-brain monosynaptic inputs and outputs of leptin receptor b neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarii in mice. Brain Res Bull 2023; 201:110693. [PMID: 37348822 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is the primary central station that integrates visceral afferent information and regulates respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and other physiological functions. Leptin receptor b (LepRb)-expressing neurons of the NTS (NTSLepRb neurons) are implicated in central respiration regulation, respiratory facilitation, and respiratory drive enhancement. Furthermore, LepRb dysfunction is involved in obesity, insulin resistance, and sleep-disordered breathing. However, the monosynaptic inputs and outputs of NTSLepRb neurons in whole-brain mapping remain to be elucidated. Therefore, the exploration of its whole-brain connection system may provide strong support for comprehensively understanding the physiological and pathological functions of NTSLepRb neurons. In the present study, we used a cell type-specific, modified rabies virus and adeno-associated virus with the Cre-loxp system to map monosynaptic inputs and outputs of NTSLepRb neurons in LepRb-Cre mice. The results showed that NTSLepRb neurons received inputs from 48 nuclei in the whole brain from five brain regions, including especially the medulla. We found that NTSLepRb neurons received inputs from nuclei associated with respiration, such as the pre-Bötzinger complex, ambiguus nucleus, and parabrachial nucleus. Interestingly, some brain areas related to cardiovascular regulation-i.e., the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and locus coeruleus-also sent a small number of inputs to NTSLepRb neurons. In addition, anterograde tracing results demonstrated that NTSLepRb neurons sent efferent projections to 15 nuclei, including the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and arcuate hypothalamic nucleus, which are involved in regulation of energy metabolism and feeding behaviors. Quantitative statistical analysis revealed that the inputs of the whole brain to NTSLepRb neurons were significantly greater than the outputs. Our study comprehensively revealed neuronal connections of NTSLepRb neurons in the whole brain and provided a neuroanatomical basis for further research on physiological and pathological functions of NTSLepRb neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mengchu Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yinchao Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yaxin Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xinyi Jing
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hongxiao Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yishuo Shi
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Xiang Shan Yuan
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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4
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Zhu KW, Tao GJ, Huang ZL, Qu WM, Wang L. Whole-brain connectivity to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis calretinin-expressing interneurons in male mice. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2807-2823. [PMID: 37452644 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a neuropeptide-enriched brain region that modulates a wide variety of emotional behaviours and states, including stress, anxiety, reward and social interaction. The BNST consists of diverse subregions and neuronal ensembles; however, because of the high molecular heterogeneity within BNST neurons, the mechanisms through which the BNST regulates distinct emotional behaviours remain largely unclear. Prior studies have identified BNST calretinin (CR)-expressing neurons, which lack neuropeptides. Here, employing virus-based cell-type-specific retrograde and anterograde tracing systems, we mapped the whole-brain monosynaptic inputs and axonal projections of BNST CR-expressing neurons in male mice. We found that BNST CR-expressing neurons received inputs mainly from the amygdalopiriform transition area, central amygdala and hippocampus and moderately from the medial preoptic area, basolateral amygdala, paraventricular thalamus and lateral hypothalamus. Within the BNST, plenty of input neurons were primarily located in the oval and interfascicular subregions. Furthermore, numerous BNST CR-expressing neuronal boutons were observed within the BNST but not in other brain regions, thus suggesting that these neurons are a type of interneuron. These results will help further elucidate the neuronal circuits underlying the elaborate and distinct functions of the BNST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Jin Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Huang Y, Wang JB, Parker JJ, Shivacharan R, Lal RA, Halpern CH. Spectro-spatial features in distributed human intracranial activity proactively encode peripheral metabolic activity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2729. [PMID: 37169738 PMCID: PMC10174612 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38253-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence demonstrates that the central nervous system (CNS) orchestrates glucose homeostasis by sensing glucose and modulating peripheral metabolism. Glucose responsive neuronal populations have been identified in the hypothalamus and several corticolimbic regions. However, how these CNS gluco-regulatory regions modulate peripheral glucose levels is not well understood. To better understand this process, we simultaneously measured interstitial glucose concentrations and local field potentials in 3 human subjects from cortical and subcortical regions, including the hypothalamus in one subject. Correlations between high frequency activity (HFA, 70-170 Hz) and peripheral glucose levels are found across multiple brain regions, notably in the hypothalamus, with correlation magnitude modulated by sleep-wake cycles, circadian coupling, and hypothalamic connectivity. Correlations are further present between non-circadian (ultradian) HFA and glucose levels which are higher during awake periods. Spectro-spatial features of neural activity enable decoding of peripheral glucose levels both in the present and up to hours in the future. Our findings demonstrate proactive encoding of homeostatic glucose dynamics by the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jonathon J Parker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rajat Shivacharan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rayhan A Lal
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics (Endocrinology), Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Casey H Halpern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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6
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Xie L, Xiong Y, Ma D, Shi K, Chen J, Yang Q, Yan J. Cholecystokinin neurons in mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus regulate the robustness of circadian clock. Neuron 2023:S0896-6273(23)00301-X. [PMID: 37172583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) can generate robust circadian behaviors in mammals under different environments, but the underlying neural mechanisms remained unclear. Here, we showed that the activities of cholecystokinin (CCK) neurons in the mouse SCN preceded the onset of behavioral activities under different photoperiods. CCK-neuron-deficient mice displayed shortened free-running periods, failed to compress their activities under a long photoperiod, and developed rapid splitting or became arrhythmic under constant light. Furthermore, unlike vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons, CCK neurons are not directly light sensitive, but their activation can elicit phase advance and counter light-induced phase delay mediated by VIP neurons. Under long photoperiods, the impact of CCK neurons on SCN dominates over that of VIP neurons. Finally, we found that the slow-responding CCK neurons control the rate of recovery during jet lag. Together, our results demonstrated that SCN CCK neurons are crucial for the robustness and plasticity of the mammalian circadian clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucheng Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yangyang Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Danyi Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Kaiwen Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jiu Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China.
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7
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Starnes AN, Jones JR. Inputs and Outputs of the Mammalian Circadian Clock. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040508. [PMID: 37106709 PMCID: PMC10136320 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
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.
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8
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Iacobelli P. Circadian dysregulation and Alzheimer’s disease: A comprehensive review. BRAIN SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2022.9050021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the foremost variant of dementia, has been associated with a menagerie of risk factors, many of which are considered to be modifiable. Among these modifiable risk factors is circadian rhythm, the chronobiological system that regulates sleep‐wake cycles, food consumption timing, hydration timing, and immune responses amongst many other necessary physiological processes. Circadian rhythm at the level of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), is tightly regulated in the human body by a host of biomolecular substances, principally the hormones melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin. In addition, photic information projected along afferent pathways to the SCN and peripheral oscillators regulates the synthesis of these hormones and mediates the manner in which they act on the SCN and its substructures. Dysregulation of this cycle, whether induced by environmental changes involving irregular exposure to light, or through endogenous pathology, will have a negative impact on immune system optimization and will heighten the deposition of Aβ and the hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein. Given these correlations, it appears that there is a physiologic association between circadian rhythm dysregulation and AD. This review will explore the physiology of circadian dysregulation in the AD brain, and will propose a basic model for its role in AD‐typical pathology, derived from the literature compiled and referenced throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Iacobelli
- Department of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
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9
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Chen ZK, Dong H, Liu CW, Liu WY, Zhao YN, Xu W, Sun X, Xiong YY, Liu YY, Yuan XS, Wang B, Lazarus M, Chérasse Y, Li YD, Han F, Qu WM, Ding FF, Huang ZL. A cluster of mesopontine GABAergic neurons suppresses REM sleep and curbs cataplexy. Cell Discov 2022; 8:115. [PMID: 36280664 PMCID: PMC9592589 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological rapid eye movement (REM) sleep termination is vital for initiating non-REM (NREM) sleep or arousal, whereas the suppression of excessive REM sleep is promising in treating narcolepsy. However, the neuronal mechanisms controlling REM sleep termination and keeping sleep continuation remain largely unknown. Here, we reveal a key brainstem region of GABAergic neurons in the control of both physiological REM sleep and cataplexy. Using fiber photometry and optic tetrode recording, we characterized the dorsal part of the deep mesencephalic nucleus (dDpMe) GABAergic neurons as REM relatively inactive and two different firing patterns under spontaneous sleep–wake cycles. Next, we investigated the roles of dDpMe GABAergic neuronal circuits in brain state regulation using optogenetics, RNA interference technology, and celltype-specific lesion. Physiologically, dDpMe GABAergic neurons causally suppressed REM sleep and promoted NREM sleep through the sublaterodorsal nucleus and lateral hypothalamus. In-depth studies of neural circuits revealed that sublaterodorsal nucleus glutamatergic neurons were essential for REM sleep termination by dDpMe GABAergic neurons. In addition, dDpMe GABAergic neurons efficiently suppressed cataplexy in a rodent model. Our results demonstrated that dDpMe GABAergic neurons controlled REM sleep termination along with REM/NREM transitions and represented a novel potential target to treat narcolepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Ka Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Wei Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ying Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Yu Xiong
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Shan Yuan
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Wang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Lazarus
- grid.20515.330000 0001 2369 4728International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan
| | - Yoan Chérasse
- grid.20515.330000 0001 2369 4728International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan
| | - Ya-Dong Li
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Han
- grid.411634.50000 0004 0632 4559Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Fei Ding
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Gao J, Provencio I, Liu X. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:992747. [PMID: 36212698 PMCID: PMC9537624 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.992747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases afflicting more than 70 million people worldwide. It is characterized by damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that ultimately leads to the death of the cells and vision loss. The diversity of RGC types has been appreciated for decades, and studies, including ours, have shown that RGCs degenerate and die in a type-specific manner in rodent models of glaucoma. The type-specific loss of RGCs results in differential damage to visual and non-visual functions. One type of RGC, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC), expressing the photopigment melanopsin, serves a broad array of non-visual responses to light. Since its discovery, six subtypes of ipRGC have been described, each contributing to various image-forming and non-image-forming functions such as circadian photoentrainment, the pupillary light reflex, the photic control of mood and sleep, and visual contrast sensitivity. We recently demonstrated a link between type-specific ipRGC survival and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension. This review focuses on the type-specific ipRGC degeneration and associated behavioral changes in animal models and glaucoma patients. A better understanding of how glaucomatous insult impacts the ipRGC-based circuits will have broad impacts on improving the treatment of glaucoma-associated non-visual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Gao
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ignacio Provencio
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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11
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Jiang S, Chen L, Huang ZL, Chen CR. Role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in sleep–wake regulation. BRAIN SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2022.9050017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) acts as a cohesive functional unit that regulates neuroendocrine and autonomic function, complex behavior, and negative emotions after stress. However, how the PVH integrates arousal with these biological functions has only recently been explored. Clinical reports, combined with neurotoxic lesioning, immunochemistry, neuronal activity recordings, and the polysomnographic analyses of genetically modified animals, have revealed that the PVH is important for the control of wakefulness. Here, we review emerging anatomical and neural mechanisms for sleep–wake regulation in the PVH to support its essential role in the promotion and maintenance of wakefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chang-Rui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
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12
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Zhao YN, Zhang Y, Tao SY, Huang ZL, Qu WM, Yang SR. Whole-Brain Monosynaptic Afferents to Rostromedial Tegmental Nucleus Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-Releasing Neurons in Mice. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:914300. [PMID: 35733933 PMCID: PMC9207306 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.914300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has revealed that the rostromedial tegmental area (RMTg) mediates many behaviors, including sleep and addiction. However, presynaptic patterns governing the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid-releasing (GABAergic) neurons, the main neuronal type in the RMTg, have not been defined. Here, we used cell-type-specific retrograde trans-synaptic rabies viruses to map and quantify the monosynaptic afferents to RMTg GABAergic neurons in mouse whole brains. We identified 71 ascending projection brain regions. Sixty-eight percent of the input neurons arise from the ipsilateral and 32% from the contralateral areas of the brain. The first three strongest projection regions were the ipsilateral lateral hypothalamus, zone incerta, and contralateral pontine reticular nucleus. Immunohistochemistry imaging showed that the input neurons in the dorsal raphe, laterodorsal tegmentum, and dorsal part of zone incerta were colocalized with serotoninergic, cholinergic, and neuronal nitric oxide synthetase-expressing neurons, respectively. However, in the lateral hypothalamus, a few input neurons innervating RMTg GABAergic neurons colocalized orexinergic neurons but lacked colocalization of melanin-concentrating hormone neurons. Our findings provide anatomical evidence to understand how RMTg GABAergic neurons integrate diverse information to exert varied functions.
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13
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Gao J, Griner EM, Liu M, Moy J, Provencio I, Liu X. Differential effects of experimental glaucoma on intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in mice. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:1494-1506. [PMID: 34958682 PMCID: PMC9010357 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve damage. Studies, including this study, support that RGCs degenerate and die in a type-specific manner following the disease insult. Here we specifically examined one RGC type, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC), and its associated functional deficits in a mouse model of experimental glaucoma. We induced chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) by laser photocoagulation and then characterized the survival of ipRGC subtypes. We found that ipRGCs suffer significant loss, similar to the general RGC population, but ipRGC subtypes are differentially affected following chronic OHT. M4 ipRGCs, which are involved in pattern vision, are susceptible to chronic OHT. Correspondingly, mice with chronic OHT experience reduced contrast sensitivity and visual acuity. By comparison, M1 ipRGCs, which project to the suprachiasmatic nuclei to regulate circadian rhythmicity, exhibit almost no cell loss following chronic OHT. Accordingly, we observed that circadian re-entrainment and circadian rhythmicity are largely not disrupted in OHT mice. Our study demonstrates the link between subtype-specific ipRGC survival and behavioral deficits in glaucomatous mice. These findings provide insight into glaucoma-induced visual behavioral deficits and their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Gao
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Erin M. Griner
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mingna Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Joanna Moy
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ignacio Provencio
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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14
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Role of Dorsomedial Hypothalamus GABAergic Neurons in Sleep-Wake States in Response to Changes in Ambient Temperature in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031270. [PMID: 35163194 PMCID: PMC8836016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Good sleep quality is essential for maintaining the body's attention during wakefulness, which is easily affected by external factors such as an ambient temperature. However, the mechanism by which an ambient temperature influences sleep-wake behaviors remains unclear. The dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) has been reported to be involved in thermoregulation. It also receives projection from the preoptic area, which is an important region for sleep and energy homeostasis and the suprachiasmatic nucleus-a main control area of the clock rhythm. Therefore, we hypothesized that the DMH plays an important role in the regulation of sleep related to ambient temperatures. In this study, we found that cold exposure (24/20/16/12 °C) increased wakefulness and decreased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, while warm exposure (32/36/40/44 °C) increased NREM sleep and decreased wakefulness compared to 28 °C conditions in wild-type mice. Then, using non-specific and specific apoptosis, we found that lesions of whole DMH neurons and DMH γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons induced by caspase-3 virus aggravated the fluctuation of core body temperature after warm exposure and attenuated the change in sleep-wake behaviors during cold and warm exposure. However, chemogenetic activation or inhibition of DMH GABAergic neurons did not affect the sleep-wake cycle. Collectively, our findings reveal an essential role of DMH GABAergic neurons in the regulation of sleep-wake behaviors elicited by a change in ambient temperature.
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15
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Yoon S, Wright EAP, Mendes JFF, Goltsev AV. Impact of field heterogeneity on the dynamics of the forced Kuramoto model. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:024313. [PMID: 34525638 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.024313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We studied the impact of field heterogeneity on entrainment in a system of uniformly interacting phase oscillators. Field heterogeneity is shown to induce dynamical heterogeneity in the system. In effect, the heterogeneous field partitions the system into interacting groups of oscillators that feel the same local field strength and phase. Based on numerical and analytical analysis of the explicit dynamical equations derived from the periodically forced Kuramoto model, we found that the heterogeneous field can disrupt entrainment at different field frequencies when compared to the homogeneous field. This transition occurs when the phase- and frequency-locked synchronization between groups of oscillators is broken at a critical field frequency, causing each group to enter a new dynamical state (disrupted state). Strikingly, it is shown that disrupted dynamics can differ between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yoon
- Department of Physics & I3N, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - E A P Wright
- Department of Physics & I3N, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J F F Mendes
- Department of Physics & I3N, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A V Goltsev
- Department of Physics & I3N, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.,A.F. Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
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16
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Ni RJ, Shu YM, Luo PH, Zhou JN. Whole-brain mapping of afferent projections to the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the tree shrew. Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101620. [PMID: 34411776 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is essential for the neural control of mammalian circadian timing system. The circadian activity of the SCN is modulated by its afferent projections. In the present study, we examine neuroanatomical characteristics and afferent projections of the SCN in the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) using immunocytochemistry and retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold (FG). Distribution of the vasoactive intestinal peptide was present in the SCN from rostral to caudal, especially concentrated in its ventral part. FG-labeled neurons were observed in the lateral septal nucleus, septofimbrial nucleus, paraventricular thalamic nucleus, posterior hypothalamic nucleus, posterior complex of the thalamus, ventral subiculum, rostral linear nucleus of the raphe, periaqueductal gray, mesencephalic reticular formation, dorsal raphe nucleus, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, medial parabrachial nucleus, locus coeruleus, parvicellular reticular nucleus, intermediate reticular nucleus, and ventrolateral reticular nucleus. In summary, the morphology of the SCN in tree shrews is described from rostral to caudal. In addition, our data demonstrate for the first time that the SCN in tree shrews receives inputs from numerous brain regions in the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, metencephalon, and myelencephalon. This comprehensive knowledge of the afferent projections of the SCN in tree shrews provides further insights into the neural organization and physiological processes of circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jun Ni
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yu-Mian Shu
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Peng-Hao Luo
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
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17
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Wei HH, Yuan XS, Chen ZK, Chen PP, Xiang Z, Qu WM, Li RX, Zhou GM, Huang ZL. Presynaptic inputs to vasopressin neurons in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus in mice. Exp Neurol 2021; 343:113784. [PMID: 34139240 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) are involved in important physiological behaviors, such as controling osmotic stability and thermoregulation. However, the presynaptic input patterns governing AVP neurons have remained poorly understood due to their heterogeneity, as well as intermingling of AVP neurons with other neurons both in the SON and PVN. In the present study, we employed a retrograde modified rabies-virus system to reveal the brain areas that provide specific inputs to AVP neurons in the SON and PVN. We found that AVP neurons of the SON and PVN received similar input patterns from multiple areas of the brain, particularly massive afferent inputs from the diencephalon and other brain regions of the limbic system; however, PVNAVP neurons received relatively broader and denser inputs compared to SONAVP neurons. Additionally, SONAVP neurons received more projections from the median preoptic nucleus and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (a circumventricular organ), compared to PVNAVP neurons, while PVNAVP neurons received more afferent inputs from the bed nucleus of stria terminalis and dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, both of which are thermoregulatory nuclei, compared to those of SONAVP neurons. In addition, both SONAVP and PVNAVP neurons received direct afferent projections from the bilateral suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is the master regulator of circadian rhythms and is concomitantly responsible for fluctuations in AVP levels. Taken together, our present results provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific afferent framework of AVP neurons both in the SON and PVN, and lay the foundation for further dissecting the diverse roles of SONAVP and PVNAVP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Hua Wei
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiang-Shan Yuan
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Ze-Ka Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pei-Pei Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhe Xiang
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Rui-Xi Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guo-Min Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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18
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Zhou K, Zhu L, Hou G, Chen X, Chen B, Yang C, Zhu Y. The Contribution of Thalamic Nuclei in Salience Processing. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:634618. [PMID: 33664657 PMCID: PMC7920982 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.634618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain continuously receives diverse information about the external environment and changes in the homeostatic state. The attribution of salience determines which stimuli capture attention and, therefore, plays an essential role in regulating emotions and guiding behaviors. Although the thalamus is included in the salience network, the neural mechanism of how the thalamus contributes to salience processing remains elusive. In this mini-review, we will focus on recent advances in understanding the specific roles of distinct thalamic nuclei in salience processing. We will summarize the functional connections between thalamus nuclei and other key nodes in the salience network. We will highlight the convergence of neural circuits involved in reward and pain processing, arousal, and attention control in thalamic structures. We will discuss how thalamic activities represent salience information in associative learning and how thalamic neurons modulate adaptive behaviors. Lastly, we will review recent studies which investigate the contribution of thalamic dysfunction to aberrant salience processing in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as drug addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. Based on emerging evidence from both human and rodent research, we propose that the thalamus, different from previous studies that as an information relay, has a broader role in coordinating the cognitive process and regulating emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuikui Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Neonatology, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoqiang Hou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueyu Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuanzhong Yang
- Department of Neonatology, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
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19
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Shi X, Wei H, Chen Z, Wang J, Qu W, Huang Z, Dai C. Whole-brain monosynaptic inputs and outputs of glutamatergic neurons of the vestibular nuclei complex in mice. Hear Res 2020; 401:108159. [PMID: 33401198 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.108159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Vestibular nuclei complex (VN) glutamatergic neurons play a critical role in the multisensory and multimodal processing. The dysfunction of VN leads to a series of vestibular concurrent symptoms, such as disequilibrium, spatial disorientation, autonomic disorders and even emotion disorders. However, the reciprocal neural connectivity in the whole brain of VN glutamatergic neurons was incompletely understood. Here, we employed a cell-type-specific, cre-dependent, modified virus vector to retrogradely and anterogradely trace VN glutamatergic neurons in the VGLUT2-IRES-Cre mouse line. We identified and analyzed statistically the afferents and efferents of VN glutamatergic neurons in the whole brain, and also reconstructed monosynaptic inputs distribution of VN glutamatergic neurons at the three-dimensional level with the combination of a fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography system (fMOST). We found that VN glutamatergic neurons primarily received afferents from 57 nuclei and send efferents to 59 nuclei in the whole brain, intensively located in the brainstem and cerebellum. Projections from nuclei in the cerebellum targeting VN glutamatergic neurons mainly performed the balance control - the principal function of the vestibular system. In addition, VN glutamatergic neurons sent projections to oculomotor nucleus, trochlear nucleus and abducens nucleus dominating the eye movement. Except for the maintenance of balance, VN glutamatergic neurons were also directly connected with other functional regions, such as sleep-wake state (locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, periaqueductal gray, subcoeruleus nucleus, parvicellular reticular nucleus, paramedian raphe nucleus), and emotional regulation (locus coeruleus and dorsal raphe nucleus). Hence, this study revealed a comprehensive whole-brain neural connectivity of VN glutamatergic neurons and provided with a neuroanatomic foundation to further study on central vestibular circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunbei Shi
- Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Haohua Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zeka Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Weimin Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhili Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Chunfu Dai
- Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai 200031, China.
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20
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Dunigan AI, Swanson AM, Olson DP, Roseberry AG. Whole-brain efferent and afferent connectivity of mouse ventral tegmental area melanocortin-3 receptor neurons. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:1157-1183. [PMID: 32856297 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system is involved in the regulation of multiple behaviors, including feeding, and evidence demonstrates that the melanocortin system can act on the mesolimbic DA system to control feeding and other behaviors. The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) is an important component of the melanocortin system, but its overall role is poorly understood. Because MC3Rs are highly expressed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and are likely to be the key interaction point between the melanocortin and mesolimbic DA systems, we set out to identify both the efferent projection patterns of VTA MC3R neurons and the location of the neurons providing afferent input to them. VTA MC3R neurons were broadly connected to neurons across the brain but were strongly connected to a discrete set of brain regions involved in the regulation of feeding, reward, and aversion. Surprisingly, experiments using monosynaptic rabies virus showed that proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in the arcuate nucleus made few direct synapses onto VTA MC3R neurons or any of the other major neuronal subtypes in the VTA, despite being extensively labeled by general retrograde tracers injected into the VTA. These results greatly contribute to our understanding of the anatomical interactions between the melanocortin and mesolimbic systems and provide a foundation for future studies of VTA MC3R neurons and the circuits containing them in the control of feeding and other behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I Dunigan
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrew M Swanson
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David P Olson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Aaron G Roseberry
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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21
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Suprachiasmatic VIP neurons are required for normal circadian rhythmicity and comprised of molecularly distinct subpopulations. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4410. [PMID: 32879310 PMCID: PMC7468160 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic (SCN) clock contains several neurochemically defined cell groups that contribute to the genesis of circadian rhythms. Using cell-specific and genetically targeted approaches we have confirmed an indispensable role for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-expressing SCN (SCNVIP) neurons, including their molecular clock, in generating the mammalian locomotor activity (LMA) circadian rhythm. Optogenetic-assisted circuit mapping revealed functional, di-synaptic connectivity between SCNVIP neurons and dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons, providing a circuit substrate by which SCNVIP neurons may regulate LMA rhythms. In vivo photometry revealed that while SCNVIP neurons are acutely responsive to light, their activity is otherwise behavioral state invariant. Single-nuclei RNA-sequencing revealed that SCNVIP neurons comprise two transcriptionally distinct subtypes, including putative pacemaker and non-pacemaker populations. Altogether, our work establishes necessity of SCNVIP neurons for the LMA circadian rhythm, elucidates organization of circadian outflow from and modulatory input to SCNVIP cells, and demonstrates a subpopulation-level molecular heterogeneity that suggests distinct functions for specific SCNVIP subtypes. Cell groups in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic clock contribute to the genesis of circadian rhythms. The authors identified two populations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-expressing neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus which regulate locomotor circadian rhythm in mice.
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22
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Whole-Brain Monosynaptic Inputs to Hypoglossal Motor Neurons in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2020; 36:585-597. [PMID: 32096114 PMCID: PMC7270309 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoglossal motor neurons (HMNs) innervate tongue muscles and play key roles in a variety of physiological functions, including swallowing, mastication, suckling, vocalization, and respiration. Dysfunction of HMNs is associated with several diseases, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sudden infant death syndrome. OSA is a serious breathing disorder associated with the activity of HMNs during different sleep–wake states. Identifying the neural mechanisms by which the state-dependent activities of HMNs are controlled may be helpful in providing a theoretical basis for effective therapy for OSA. However, the presynaptic partners governing the activity of HMNs remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we used a cell-type-specific retrograde tracing system based on a modified rabies virus along with a Cre/loxP gene-expression strategy to map the whole-brain monosynaptic inputs to HMNs in mice. We identified 53 nuclei targeting HMNs from six brain regions: the amygdala, hypothalamus, midbrain, pons, medulla, and cerebellum. We discovered that GABAergic neurons in the central amygdaloid nucleus, as well as calretinin neurons in the parasubthalamic nucleus, sent monosynaptic projections to HMNs. In addition, HMNs received direct inputs from several regions associated with respiration, such as the pre-Botzinger complex, parabrachial nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, and hypothalamus. Some regions engaged in sleep–wake regulation (the parafacial zone, parabrachial nucleus, ventral medulla, sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, periaqueductal gray, and hypothalamus) also provided primary inputs to HMNs. These results contribute to further elucidating the neural circuits underlying disorders caused by the dysfunction of HMNs.
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De Nobrega AK, Luz KV, Lyons LC. Resetting the Aging Clock: Implications for Managing Age-Related Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1260:193-265. [PMID: 32304036 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-42667-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, individuals are living longer due to medical and scientific advances, increased availability of medical care and changes in public health policies. Consequently, increasing attention has been focused on managing chronic conditions and age-related diseases to ensure healthy aging. The endogenous circadian system regulates molecular, physiological and behavioral rhythms orchestrating functional coordination and processes across tissues and organs. Circadian disruption or desynchronization of circadian oscillators increases disease risk and appears to accelerate aging. Reciprocally, aging weakens circadian function aggravating age-related diseases and pathologies. In this review, we summarize the molecular composition and structural organization of the circadian system in mammals and humans, and evaluate the technological and societal factors contributing to the increasing incidence of circadian disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the adverse effects of circadian dysfunction on aging and longevity and the bidirectional interactions through which aging affects circadian function using examples from mammalian research models and humans. Additionally, we review promising methods for managing healthy aging through behavioral and pharmacological reinforcement of the circadian system. Understanding age-related changes in the circadian clock and minimizing circadian dysfunction may be crucial components to promote healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza K De Nobrega
- Department of Biological Science, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Kristine V Luz
- Department of Biological Science, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lisa C Lyons
- Department of Biological Science, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
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Cedernaes J, Waldeck N, Bass J. Neurogenetic basis for circadian regulation of metabolism by the hypothalamus. Genes Dev 2019; 33:1136-1158. [PMID: 31481537 PMCID: PMC6719618 DOI: 10.1101/gad.328633.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are driven by a transcription-translation feedback loop that separates anabolic and catabolic processes across the Earth's 24-h light-dark cycle. Central pacemaker neurons that perceive light entrain a distributed clock network and are closely juxtaposed with hypothalamic neurons involved in regulation of sleep/wake and fast/feeding states. Gaps remain in identifying how pacemaker and extrapacemaker neurons communicate with energy-sensing neurons and the distinct role of circuit interactions versus transcriptionally driven cell-autonomous clocks in the timing of organismal bioenergetics. In this review, we discuss the reciprocal relationship through which the central clock drives appetitive behavior and metabolic homeostasis and the pathways through which nutrient state and sleep/wake behavior affect central clock function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Cedernaes
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Nathan Waldeck
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Joseph Bass
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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25
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Chen ZK, Yuan XS, Dong H, Wu YF, Chen GH, He M, Qu WM, Huang ZL. Whole-Brain Neural Connectivity to Lateral Pontine Tegmentum GABAergic Neurons in Mice. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:375. [PMID: 31068780 PMCID: PMC6491572 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The GABAergic neurons in the lateral pontine tegmentum (LPT) play key roles in the regulation of sleep and locomotion. The dysfunction of the LPT is related to neurological disorders such as rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and ocular flutter. However, the whole-brain neural connectivity to LPT GABAergic neurons remains poorly understood. Using virus-based, cell-type-specific, retrograde and anterograde tracing systems, we mapped the monosynaptic inputs and axonal projections of LPT GABAergic neurons in mice. We found that LPT GABAergic neurons received inputs mainly from the superior colliculus, substantia nigra pars reticulata, dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), parasubthalamic nucleus, and periaqueductal gray (PAG), as well as the limbic system (e.g., central nucleus of the amygdala). Further immunofluorescence assays revealed that the inputs to LPT GABAergic neurons were colocalized with several markers associated with important neural functions, especially the sleep-wake cycle. Moreover, numerous LPT GABAergic neuronal varicosities were observed in the medial and midline part of the thalamus, the LHA, PAG, DR, and parabrachial nuclei. Interestingly, LPT GABAergic neurons formed reciprocal connections with areas related to sleep-wake and motor control, including the LHA, PAG, DR, parabrachial nuclei, and superior colliculus, only the LPT-DR connections were in an equally bidirectional manner. These results provide a structural framework to understand the underlying neural mechanisms of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and disorders of saccades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Ka Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Shan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Fang Wu
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Gui-Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorders), Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Miao He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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