Single-nucleus RNA-seq identifies one galanin neuronal subtype in mouse preoptic hypothalamus activated during recovery from sleep deprivation

The preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA) is essential for sleep regulation. However, the cellular makeup of the POA is heterogeneous, and the molecular identities of the sleep-promoting cells remain elusive. To address this question, this study compares mice during recovery sleep following sleep deprivation to mice allowed extended sleep. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (single-nucleus RNA-seq) identifies one galanin inhibitory neuronal subtype that shows upregulation of rapid and delayed activity-regulated genes during recovery sleep. This cell type expresses higher levels of growth hormone receptor and lower levels of estrogen receptor compared to other galanin subtypes. single-nucleus RNA-seq also reveals cell-type-specific upregulation of purinergic receptor (P2ry14) and serotonin receptor (Htr2a) during recovery sleep in this neuronal subtype, suggesting possible mechanisms for sleep regulation. Studies with RNAscope validate the single-nucleus RNA-seq findings. Thus, the combined use of single-nucleus RNA-seq and activity-regulated genes identifies a neuronal subtype functionally involved in sleep regulation.