title: Properties of VIP+ synapses in the suprachiasmatic nucleus highlight their role in circadian rhythm.
abstract: Circadian rhythms coordinate cyclical behavioral and physiological changes in most organisms. In humans, this biological clock is located within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus and consists of a heterogeneous neuron population characterized by their enriched expression of various neuropeptides. As highlighted here, Fan et al. (J Neurosci 35: 1905-1029, 2015) developed an elegant experimental system to investigate the synaptic properties of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing neurons between day and night, and further delineate their broader architecture and function within the SCN.
authors.affiliation: Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas achilly@bcm.edu.
authors.forename: Nathan P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Achilly
mesh_terms: D001683:Biological Clocks; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus; D013569:Synapses; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
chemical_list: D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
keywords: GABA; SCN; VIP; circadian rhythm