Extensive Soma-Soma Plate-Like Contact Sites (Ephapses) Connect Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Neurons


Abstract

Summary:

The paper investigates the structural basis for synchronization in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons, revealing extensive soma-soma plate-like contact sites between adjacent neurons, which could account for the persistence of mutual synchronization of the cell-autonomous neuronal oscillators comprising the SCN core.
Categories

Categories

  • Cognitive function and memory: The paper discusses the synchronization of SCN neurons, which are crucial for maintaining circadian rhythms and thus impact cognitive function and memory.
  • Sleep and insomnia: The research focuses on the SCN, the central pacemaker for mammalian circadian rhythms, which regulates sleep cycles.
  • Hormone regulation: The paper discusses the role of the SCN in driving circadian oscillations governing physiology and behavior, including hormone regulation.
  • Phototherapy: The paper mentions the role of light-dark cycles in synchronizing the SCN, suggesting a potential relevance to phototherapy.
Authors

Author(s)

MÉ Czeisler, Y Shan, R Schalek, DR Berger
Publication Date

Publication Year:

2022
Citations

Number of Citations:

0