NSPR1 and DEC2 genes: Survival on 4.5 hours of Sleep per night: A mutation in the β1-adrenergic receptor gene in humans who require fewer hours of sleep than most, ADRB1 + neurons are active during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness
Reporter: Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD, RN
10/2019 RESEARCH ARTICLE SLEEP
Abstract
Sleep is a crucial physiological process for our survival and cognitive performance, yet the factors controlling human sleep regulation remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a missense mutation in a G protein–coupled neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) that is associated with a natural short sleep phenotype in humans. Mice carrying the homologous mutation exhibited less sleep time despite increased sleep pressure. These animals were also resistant to contextual memory deficits associated with sleep deprivation. In vivo, the mutant receptors showed increased sensitivity to neuropeptide S exogenous activation. These results suggest that the NPS/NPSR1 pathway might play a critical role in regulating human sleep duration and in the link between sleep homeostasis and memory consolidation.
It is possible that drugs could be developed to target either the NSPR1 or DEC2 genes, as a treatment for insomnia or other sleep disorders. However, further understanding of exactly how these genes function would be required before this stage. Both are involved in brain function, so targeting them could lead to negative neural side effects.
Highlights
- A mutation in ADRB1 leads to natural short sleep trait in humans
- Mice engineered with same mutation have similar short sleep behavior as humans
- Activity of dorsal pons ADRB1 + neurons associates with REM sleep and wakefulness
- Mutation increases the population activity of dorsal pons ADRB1 + neurons
Summary
Sleep is crucial for our survival, and many diseases are linked to long-term poor sleep quality. Before we can use sleep to enhance our health and performance and alleviate diseases associated with poor sleep, a greater understanding of sleep regulation is necessary. We have identified a mutation in the β 1-adrenergic receptor gene in humans who require fewer hours of sleep than most. In vitro, this mutation leads to decreased protein stability and dampened signaling in response to agonist treatment. In vivo, the mice carrying the same mutation demonstrated short sleep behavior. We found that this receptor is highly expressed in the dorsal pons and that these ADRB1 + neurons are active during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness. Activating these neurons can lead to wakefulness, and the activity of these neurons is affected by the mutation. These results highlight the important role of β 1-adrenergic receptors in sleep/wake regulation.Keywords
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