AI Article Synopsis
- Researchers found that editing the α3 GABA-receptor subunit in specific brain cells can increase delta waves during sleep, which are linked to restorative sleep benefits.* -
- This editing process, done using CRISPR-Cas9, significantly reduced inhibitory currents in these neurons, suggesting a stronger response to sleep regulation.* -
- The study suggests that targeting α3 GABA receptors could be a new strategy to improve deep sleep and its associated health benefits.*
Article Abstract
Identification of mechanisms which increase deep sleep could lead to novel treatments which promote the restorative effects of sleep. Here, we show that knockdown of the α3 GABA-receptor subunit from parvalbumin neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing increased the thalamocortical delta (1.5-4 Hz) oscillations which are implicated in many health-promoting effects of sleep. Inhibitory synaptic currents in thalamic reticular parvalbumin neurons were strongly reduced in vitro. Further analysis revealed that delta power in long NREM bouts prior to NREM-REM transitions was preferentially affected by deletion of α3 subunits. Our results identify a role for GABA receptors on thalamic reticular nucleus neurons and suggest antagonism of α3 subunits as a strategy to enhance delta activity during sleep.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9042958 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29852-x | DOI Listing |
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