Pharmacological Targeting of the Mammalian Clock Regulates Sleep Architecture and Emotional Behavior

Synthetic drug-like molecules that directly modulate the activity of key clock proteins offer the potential to directly modulate the endogenous circadian rhythm and treat diseases associated with clock dysfunction. Here, we demonstrate that synthetic ligands targeting a key component of the mammalian clock, the nuclear receptors REV-ERBα and β, regulate sleep architecture and emotional behavior in mice. REV-ERB agonists induce wakefulness and reduce REM and slow-wave sleep. Interestingly, REV-ERB agonists also reduce anxiety-like behavior. These data are consistent with increased anxiety-like behavior of REV-ERBβ null mice, in which REV-ERB agonists have no effect Also consistent with these effects being mediated by REV-ERB, the effect of the agonist on sleep and anxiety was suppressed by lithium treatment. These results indicate that pharmacological targeting of REVERB may lead to the development of novel therapeutics to treat sleep disorders and anxiety.