Investigating dopaminergic neuronal circuits mediating circadian entrainment to scheduled feeding

项目摘要 这个项目是我们最近关于神经递质多巴胺的研究的后续。 信号作为昼夜节律系统的关键调节因子。我们的主要假设是 多巴胺能神经元亚群向多巴胺1型群发信号 背侧纹状体中表达受体1(D1R)的神经元，构成一个关键环节 食物摄入量和日常活动的昼夜节律之间的关系。要解决这一假设 我们建议培育几只转基因小鼠，并测试它们的行为和 对预定喂食的生理夹带。这些结果将扩大我们的 了解多巴胺神经元下游靶点如何控制几个 喂养相关行为的重要方面。此外，由于有众多的 提供多巴胺能药物，这项研究可能会提出潜在的治疗策略 针对与暴饮暴食有关的疾病。

Project Summary This project follows up on our recent research implicating the neurotransmitter dopamine signaling as key mediator of circadian timing systems. Our main hypothesis is a subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons send signals to a population of dopamine type 1 receptor 1 (D1r)-expressing neurons in the dorsal striatum, constituting a critical link between food intake and circadian rhythms of daily activity. To address this hypothesis we propose to generate several genetically modified mice and test their behavioral and physiological entrainment to scheduled feeding. These results will expand our understanding of how the downstream targets of dopamine neurons control several important aspects of feeding related behaviors. In addition, since there are numerous dopaminergic drugs available, this research may suggest potential therapeutic strategies to target diseases associated with over- and under-eating.