Glutamatergic Neurons in the Cerebellar Lateral Nucleus Contribute to Motor Deficits Induced by Chronic Sleep Disturbance

TL;DR

This study shows that glutamatergic neurons in the cerebellar lateral nucleus are involved in motor problems caused by chronic sleep disruption in mice.

Contribution

The study identifies a specific cerebellar pathway linking chronic sleep disruption to motor dysfunction.

Findings

Chronic sleep disruption increased c-Fos expression specifically in the cerebellar lateral nucleus.

Manipulating glutamatergic neurons in the lateral nucleus altered motor performance in sleep-disrupted mice.

Inhibiting these neurons reduced sleep disruption-induced motor impairments.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The cerebellum is essential for motor coordination and has recently been implicated in sleep-related disorders. However, the neural mechanisms linking sleep disruption to motor dysfunction remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN), particularly the lateral nucleus, in motor dysfunction induced by chronic sleep disruption (CSD). Methods: Using a validated mouse model of CSD with periodic sleep fragmentation induced by an orbital shaker during the light phase, we assessed neuronal activation via c-Fos immunostaining and performed chemogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic neurons within the lateral nucleus. Behavioral performance was evaluated using open-field and rotarod tests. Results: CSD selectively increased c-Fos expression in the lateral nucleus, with no significant changes observed in other DCN subregions. Chemogenetic activation or ablation of glutamatergic neurons in the lateral nucleus decreased locomotor activity in the open-field test and shortened latency to fall in the rotarod task. Conversely, chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons attenuated CSD-induced impairments, restoring locomotor performance toward control levels. Conclusions: Our findings provide direct experimental evidence that glutamatergic neurons in the lateral nucleus play a crucial role in mediating CSD-induced motor dysfunction. These results highlight the cerebellar contribution to the interplay between sleep and motor control and identify a potential target for therapeutic intervention in sleep-related motor disorders.

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