Preoptic Neurons that Regulate Hibernation Entry

Abstract

Abstract Seasonal hibernation allows species to survive harsh environments by entering a profound hypometabolic and hypothermic state called deep torpor (DT). However, the neural mechanisms controlling entry into this state remain poorly understood. Here, we map neuronal activity across hibernation stages in the Syrian hamster and identify DT-associated activity in the hypothalamic anterior preoptic area (aPOA) as essential for hibernation entry. Single-nucleus multiomic profiling enabled the design of a novel enhancer adeno-associated virus selectively targeting candidate glutamatergic neuronal subpopulations. Using this tool, we demonstrate that activity of a subpopulation of Samd3 -positive glutamatergic neurons in the hamster aPOA is both necessary and sufficient for DT induction. Together, our findings identify a neuronal population regulating hibernation entry and provide the first genetic access to manipulate this complex behavior.

Affiliated Institutions

• Harvard University US
• Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research US
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology US

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