Orbitofrontal intronic circular RNA from Nrxn3 mediates reward learning and motivation for reward.

ABSTRACT: The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a vital component of brain reward circuitry that is important for reward seeking behavior. However, OFC-mediated molecular mechanisms underlying rewarding behavior are understudied. Here, we report the first circular RNA (circRNA) profile associated with appetitive reward and identify regulation of 92 OFC circRNAs by sucrose self-administration. Among these changes, we observed downregulation of circNrxn3, a circRNA originating from neurexin 3 (Nrxn3), a gene involved in synaptogenesis, learning, and memory. Transcriptomic profiling via RNA sequencing and qPCR of the OFC following in vivo knock-down of circNrxn3 revealed differential regulation of genes associated with pathways important for learning and memory and altered splicing of Nrxn3. Furthermore, c

SUBMITTER: Dabrowski KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10843848 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature