Circadian control of dopaminergic signaling to the mushroom body regulates sleep through rhythmic Pka-C1 transcription in Drosophila.

Rhythmic Pka-C1 transcription in Drosophila's mushroom body, driven by dopaminergic signaling, promotes daytime wakefulness with a 24-hour cycle.

• Why it matters: Understanding how circadian clocks regulate sleep is crucial for addressing sleep disorders and behavioral health, yet the specific neural mechanisms remain unclear.
• What they did: The study used in vivo luciferase reporters, CRISPR mutagenesis, and neuronal activity imaging to identify rhythmic Pka-C1 expression controlled by Onecut and modulated by clock neurons and dopaminergic signals.
• The result: Findings reveal a feedback loop between neural activity and Pka-C1 transcription that sustains wakefulness rhythms, offering insights into circadian regulation of sleep and potential targets for intervention.