Work

Transcriptomes of electrophysiologically recorded Dbx1-derived respiratory neurons of the preBötzinger complex in neonatal mice

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Breathing depends on interneurons in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) derived from Dbx1 -expressing precursors. Here we investigate whether rhythm- and pattern-generating functions reside in discrete classes of Dbx1 preBötC neurons. In a slice model of breathing with ∼5 s cycle period, putatively rhythmogenic Type-1 Dbx1 preBötC neurons activate 100-300 ms prior to Type-2 neurons, putatively specialized for output pattern, and 300-500 ms prior to the inspiratory motor output. We sequenced Type-1 and Type-2 transcriptomes and identified differential expression of 123 genes including ionotropic receptors ( Gria3 and Gabra1 ) that may explain their preinspiratory activation profiles and Ca 2+ signaling ( Cracr2a, Sgk1 ) involved in inspiratory and sigh bursts. Surprisingly, neuropeptide receptors that influence breathing (e.g., µ-opioid and bombesin-like peptide receptors) were only sparsely expressed, which suggests that cognate peptides and opioid drugs exert their profound effects on a small fraction of the preBötC core. These data in the public domain help explain breathing’s neural origins.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06834-z

Authors: Prajkta S. Kallurkar, Maria Cristina D. Picardo, Yae K. Sugimura, Margaret S. Saha, Gregory D. Conradi Smith, Christopher A. Del Negro

Institutions: William & Mary, Jikei University School of Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience of respiration and sleep

Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,190