Award
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5R01NS119597-05
Brainstem circuitry for sleep-wake control
Recipient
University of California at Davis
Award Amount
$402,500.00
Ceiling
$402,500.00
Awarded
June 30, 2025
Identifier
5R01NS119597-05
NIH-funded research project investigating the role of parafacial zone GABAergic neurons in promoting slow-wave sleep and cortical activity, aiming to uncover mechanisms for sleep regulation and potential therapeutic strategies for sleep disorders.
Description
This project aims to understand the cellular and circuit mechanisms by which the parafacial zone (PZ) GABAergic neurons promote sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep (SWS). The research hypothesizes that a sub-population of PZ GABAergic neurons is both sufficient and necessary for generating SWS and cortical slow-wave activity (SWA). The study will use genetically-driven lesions, chemogenetics, optogenetics, fiber photometry, and electrophysiology to identify and manipulate these neurons and their pathways, especially their influence on thalamo-cortical activity.