The hypothalamus predates the origin of vertebrates
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: The hypothalamus coordinates neuroendocrine functions in vertebrates, including circadian rhythm, metabolism, and appetite. To explore its evolutionary origin, we attempt to create integrated transcription/connectome brain maps for swimming tadpoles of the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis, which serves as an approximation of the ancestral proto-vertebrate. This map features several cell types related to different regions of the vertebrate hypothalamus, including coronet cells, magnocellular neurons and the arcuate nucleus. Coronet cells express melanopsin and share additional properties with the saccus vasculosus, a specialized region of the hypothalamus that mediates photoperiodism in non-tropical fishes such as salmon. Comparative transcriptome analyses identified orthologous cell types for mechanosensory switch neurons, and VP+ and VPR+ relay neurons in different regions of the mouse hypothalamus. These observations provide evidence that the hypothalamus predates the evolution of the vertebrate brain. We discuss the possibility that switch neurons, coronet cells, and FoxP+/VPR relay neurons comprise a behavioral circuit that helps trigger metamorphosis of Ciona larvae in response to twilight.
ORGANISM(S): Ciona intestinalis
PROVIDER: GSE166235 | GEO | 2021/04/28
REPOSITORIES: GEO
ACCESS DATA