Elucidation of a functional role of synaptic transmission in the central circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06422
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Maejima Takashi 金沢大学, 医学系, 准教授 (70399319)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 概日リズム / 中枢時計 / 視交叉上核 / GABA作動性伝達

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the characteristic and functional role of GABA transmission from vasopressin-producing GABAergic neurons located in the dorsomedial region of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which functions as a central clock for circadian rhythm formation. It has been revealed that the GABA release probability showed diurnal variation, which was high during the day and low at night. Furthermore, the GABA transmission has been shown to play a role in setting mouse's active and resting periods by restricting the neural activity in the SCN circuit to appropriate time windows of the circadian rhythm.

Free Research Field

神経生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

視交叉上核（SCN）におけるAVP産生神経細胞は、GABA伝達を介してSCN回路の神経活動を制御し、概日リズムにおける休息期と活動期の時間帯を設定するタイマー的な役割を果たすことが示された。この制御機構は、季節によって変化する昼夜の長さに合わせ、動物の体内時計を調節するSCNの回路機能と関連する。そのため、本研究で得られた知見は、季節性情動障害や概日リズム睡眠障害の予防と治療法の創出につながるものと期待できる。