Zfhx3-mediated genetic ablation of the SCN abolishes light entrainable circadian activity while sparing food anticipatory activity.

Authors
Wilcox, Ashleigh G 
Bains, R Sonia 
Williams, Debbie 
Joynson, Elizabeth 
Vizor, Lucie 

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Type
Article
Change log
Abstract

Circadian rhythms persist in almost all organisms and are crucial for maintaining appropriate timing in physiology and behaviour. Here, we describe a mouse mutant where the central mammalian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), has been genetically ablated by conditional deletion of the transcription factor Zfhx3 in the developing hypothalamus. Mutants were arrhythmic over the light-dark cycle and in constant darkness. Moreover, rhythms of metabolic parameters were ablated in vivo although molecular oscillations in the liver maintained some rhythmicity. Despite disruptions to SCN cell identity and circuitry, mutants could still anticipate food availability, yet other zeitgebers - including social cues from cage-mates - were ineffective in restoring rhythmicity although activity levels in mutants were altered. This work highlights a critical role for Zfhx3 in the development of a functional SCN, while its genetic ablation further defines the contribution of SCN circuitry in orchestrating physiological and behavioral responses to environmental signals.

Publication Date
2021-10-22
Online Publication Date
2021-09-16
Acceptance Date
2021-09-14
Keywords
Biological sciences, Molecular biology, Neuroscience, Physiology
Journal Title
iScience
Journal ISSN
2589-0042
2589-0042
Volume Title
24
Publisher
Elsevier BV