Shank3 influences mammalian sleep development.

Sleep problems are prevalent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), can be observed before diagnosis, and are associated with increased restricted and repetitive behaviors. Therefore, sleep abnormalities may be a core feature of the disorder, but the developmental trajectory remains unknown. Animal models provide a unique opportunity to understand sleep ontogenesis in ASD.

A chemical-genetic investigation of BDNF-NtrkB signaling in mammalian sleep.

Study Objectives: The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is hypothesized to be a molecular mediator of mammalian sleep homeostasis. This hypothesis is supported by correlational findings and results obtained from pharmacology. BDNF binds with high affinity to the membrane-bound receptor Neurotrophin Tyrosine Kinase Receptor B (NtrkB), which triggers several intracellular signaling cascades.

A Role for Astroglial Calcium in Mammalian Sleep and Sleep Regulation.

Mammalian sleep expression and regulation have historically been thought to reflect the activity of neurons. Changes in other brain cells (glia) across the sleep-wake cycle and their role in sleep regulation are comparatively unexplored. We show that sleep and wakefulness are accompanied by state-dependent changes in astroglial activity.

Shank3 modulates sleep and expression of circadian transcription factors.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in the United States and often co-presents with sleep problems. Sleep problems in ASD predict the severity of ASD core diagnostic symptoms and have a considerable impact on the quality of life of caregivers. Little is known, however, about the underlying molecular mechanisms of sleep problems in ASD.

Disease and Degeneration of Aging Neural Systems that Integrate Sleep Drive and Circadian Oscillations.

Sleep/wake and circadian rest-activity rhythms become irregular with age. Typical outcomes include fragmented sleep during the night, advanced sleep phase syndrome and increased daytime sleepiness. These changes lead to a reduction in the quality of life due to cognitive impairments and emotional stress.

Distribution of orexin/hypocretin immunoreactivity in the brain of a male songbird, the house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus.

Previous research has shown orexin/hypocretin immunoreactive (orexin-ir) neurons in domesticated Galliformes. However, these findings may not be representative of other birds and these studies did not include a distribution of orexin-ir projections throughout the brain. The present study was carried out in a wild-caught passerine, the house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus, and includes a detailed description of orexin-ir neurons and their projections.

Distribution of orexin/hypocretin immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the green Treefrog, Hyla cinerea.

We examined the distribution of orexin/hypocretin immunoreactive neurons and projections throughout the brain of the green treefrog (Hyla cinerea). Orexin A and B neurons were located in a single population centered on the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Orexin A and B fibers were visible across the brain, with the highest density within the preoptic area and hypothalamus.