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Clock gene-dependent glutamate dynamics in the bean bug brain regulate photoperiodic reproduction
Masaharu Hasebe1, Sakiko Shiga1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Plos Biology
|September 6, 2022
Summary
Seasonal adaptation in animals relies on photoperiod sensing, with the circadian clock playing a key role. This study reveals that extracellular glutamate dynamics in the brain, regulated by clock genes, are crucial for seasonal reproduction control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Insect Physiology
Background:
- Animals adapt to seasons using photoperiod cues, with the circadian clock essential for time measurement.
- Neural signals conveying photoperiodic information remain poorly understood.
- Extracellular neurotransmitter dynamics are implicated in brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of extracellular glutamate dynamics in photoperiodic responses.
- To elucidate the involvement of the circadian clock and glutamate metabolism in seasonal adaptation.
- To understand the cellular mechanisms of glutamate-mediated photoperiodic control of reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of extracellular glutamate levels in the bean bug Riptortus pedestris under different photoperiods.
- Gene knockdown of clock genes (period) and glutamate-metabolizing enzymes (got, gs).
- Electrophysiological analysis of pars intercerebralis (PI) neurons and glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCl).
Main Results:
- Short-day conditions significantly increased extracellular glutamate levels, correlating with reproductive diapause.
- Knockdown of the clock gene period abolished photoperiod-induced glutamate level changes.
- Genetic modulation of glutamate metabolism and GluCl disrupted photoperiodic reproductive responses and PI neuron activity.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular glutamate dynamics are photoperiodically regulated by the circadian clock.
- Glutamate signaling plays a critical role in the photoperiodic control of insect reproduction.
- Inhibitory glutamate pathways in PI neurons mediate seasonal adaptation.
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