Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Neurons Mediate Light-induced Transient Forgetting.
10.1007/s12264-025-01456-7
- Author:
Xiaoya SU
1
;
Yikai TANG
1
;
Yi ZHONG
2
;
Yunlong LIU
3
Author Information
1. School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
2. School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. zhongyithu@tsinghua.edu.cn.
3. School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. yunlong_liu@hotmail.com.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Light;
Suprachiasmatic nucleus;
Transient forgetting;
Vasoactive intestinal peptide neurons
- MeSH:
Animals;
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism*;
Male;
Mice;
Neurons/metabolism*;
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus/physiology*;
Light;
Mice, Inbred C57BL;
Memory/physiology*;
Fear/physiology*;
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Neurons/metabolism*;
Optogenetics;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism*
- From:
Neuroscience Bulletin
2025;41(11):2025-2035
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Our research reveals the critical role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons in mediating light-induced transient forgetting. Acute exposure to bright light selectively impairs trace fear memory by activating VIP neurons in the SCN, as demonstrated by increased c-Fos expression and Ca2+ recording. This effect can be replicated and reversed through optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations of SCN VIP neurons. Furthermore, we identify the SCN → PVT (paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus) VIP neuronal circuitry as essential in this process. These findings establish a novel role for SCN VIP neurons in modulating memory accessibility in response to environmental light cues, extending their known function beyond circadian regulation and revealing a mechanism for transient forgetting.
