@article {2297,
	title = {Seasonal changes in day length induce multisynaptic neurotransmitter switching to regulate hypothalamic network activity and behavior.},
	journal = {Sci Adv},
	volume = {8},
	year = {2022},
	month = {2022 Sep 02},
	pages = {eabn9867},
	abstract = {<p>Seasonal changes in day length (photoperiod) affect numerous physiological functions. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)-paraventricular nucleus (PVN) axis plays a key role in processing photoperiod-related information. Seasonal variations in SCN and PVN neurotransmitter expression have been observed in humans and animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the SCN-PVN network responds to altered photoperiod is unknown. Here, we show in mice that neuromedin S (NMS) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons in the SCN display photoperiod-induced neurotransmitter plasticity. In vivo recording of calcium dynamics revealed that NMS neurons alter PVN network activity in response to winter-like photoperiod. Chronic manipulation of NMS neurons is sufficient to induce neurotransmitter switching in PVN neurons and affects locomotor activity. Our findings reveal previously unidentified molecular adaptations of the SCN-PVN network in response to seasonality and the role for NMS neurons in adjusting hypothalamic function to day length via a coordinated multisynaptic neurotransmitter switching affecting behavior.</p>
},
	issn = {2375-2548},
	doi = {10.1126/sciadv.abn9867},
	author = {Porcu, Alessandra and Nilsson, Anna and Booreddy, Sathwik and Barnes, Samuel A and Welsh, David K and Dulcis, Davide}
}
