The Internal Clock of VIP Receptor Cells Controls Timing and Consistency of Daily Behavior

Approximately 35% of suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) cells express the neuropeptide receptor VPAC2, which plays a critical role in circadian rhythm regulation.

• Deletion of the VPAC2 receptor in these cells lengthened the intrinsic circadian rhythm period.
• The lengthening of the circadian rhythm period was also observed in the behavioral rhythms of male mice.
• Variability in circadian periods increased in SCN slices from mice with VPAC2 cell deletion.
• Circadian behavioral rhythms were severely disrupted when VPAC2-expressing cells lost their circadian competence.
• VPAC2-expressing cells are a distinct subset within the SCN circuit, essential for maintaining circadian rhythm stability.

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