Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Neurons Mediate Light-induced Transient Forgetting
Xiaoya Su1,2,3 · Yikai Tang1 · Yi Zhong1,2,3,4 · Yunlong Liu1,5
1 School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
2 McGovern Institute of Brain Research, Beijing 100084, China
3 Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
4 MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
5 Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M1L3V2, Canada
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.
Keywords
Light; Transient forgetting; Suprachiasmatic nucleus; Vasoactive intestinal peptide neurons
