Topic: OPN4dC

We explore the potential of inducing a prolonged state of hypometabolism in mice, similar to hibernation, through the optogenetic activation of Q neurons. These neurons, known for producing pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide (QRFP), and localized in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPe) have been previously shown to induce a hibernation-like, hypometabolic state when excited. Our approach utilizes a 10µW optogenetic stimulation of OPN4dC, specifically targeting the AVPe of QrfpiCre/+ mice, to activate Q neurons and induce a state we term optogenetic QIH (Q neuron-induced hypometabolis