Elucidation of the neural circuits to induce a hibernation-like state

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K15220
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Saito Yuki 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 助教 (70732436)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: QRFP / 冬眠 / 低代謝 / 体温

Outline of Final Research Achievements

It has been established that Q neurons primarily excite neurons in the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH) to induce QIH, but it was necessary to elucidate the nature of these neurons and the mechanisms by which they cause QIH downstream. In this study, using AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors and modified rabies virus vectors for neural circuit tracing, we identified a group of DMH neurons that receive direct inputs from AVPe Q neurons. Furthermore, by manipulating these target neurons in the DMH using optogenetics, we clarified the histological and functional characteristics of the neurons constituting this neural circuit.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果によりQニューロンによる体温制御メカニズムが明らかになることで、冬眠様状態の理解につながり、将来的にヒトにおいてQニューロンの活動を人為的に操作させる技術の開発につながる可能性が高まる。重篤な外傷や急性疾患では呼吸・循環動態の不全のため重篤な組織障害をきたすことが多いが、冬眠様状態の誘導により全身代謝を下げることができれば、救急医療をはじめとした臨床医療においても革命的な変革をもたらすことが期待される。