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Spatiotemporal expression pattern of PERIOD 1 and PERIOD 2 in the mouse SCN is dependent on VIP receptor 2 signaling
Timing and location of two daily rhythm proteins in the mouse brain’s internal clock depend on a specific signaling receptor
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Abstract
High expression of PER genes occurs at lights-off in wild-type mice, indicating an evening clock.
- Distinct patterns of PER1 and PER2 expression were observed in two clusters of neurons within the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
- An evening clock (E-clock) is suggested by high PER expression at lights-off in the SCN shell and ventral core.
- A morning clock (M-clock) may be represented by PER expression peaking at lights-on in a smaller cluster of SCN neurons.
- BMAL1 protein levels were found to oscillate in opposition to PER in both M and E neurons.
- Most vasopressin-expressing neurons (98%) and VIP neurons (92%) contained PER, indicating a strong association between these neuropeptides and circadian rhythms.
- VPAC2-deficient mice showed significantly reduced PER expression in both M and E neuron clusters, suggesting that VIP/VPAC2 signaling is crucial for these circadian mechanisms.
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