Team research theme:

Humans, like many animals, are deeply affected by the changing seasons. When our internal body clocks fall out of sync with the shifting length of day and outside temperature, it can trigger significant dysfunctions, ranging from disordered sleep to the exacerbation of neuropsychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. 

Our lab aims to uncover the neural circuits that regulate seasonal rhythms, with a specific focus on a specialized population of neurons within the mouse Preoptic Area (POA) that we have previously identified.

To understand how these cells orchestrate the response to seasonal cues, we utilize a multidisciplinary approach, combining in vivo calcium imaging to monitor real-time neural dynamics with longitudinal EEG/EMG sleep and circadian recordings. By integrating circuit mapping, optogenetics and behavioral assays, we aim to functionally characterize how these POA circuits modulate seasonal adaptations in behavior. Ultimately, we seek to elucidate the brain mechanisms underlying seasonal rhythmicity to identify novel targets for the treatment of seasonal and circadian-related brain disorders.

Main techniques and approaches used: 

EEG/EMG recordings; in vivo calcium imaging; optogenetics; circadian and sleep analyses; mouse behavioral tests; immunofluorescence; multiplexed in situ hybridization; high-resolution confocal microscopy; superresolution microscopy. 

Address :
INSERM U1266, 102-108 rue de la santé, 75014, Paris

Team leader :
Giacomo Maddaloni
Name of co-team leader :

Administrative Contact Name :
Soumia Elidrissi

Website : Cliquez ici
Key words : #Rythmes #saisonniers #Aire #préoptique #Neurosciences #circuits #Sommeil #Éveil #Imagerie #invivo #Seasonal #rhythms #Preoptic #Area #Circuit #Neuroscience #Sleep #Wake #Invivo #imaging.