Molecular Mechanisms of Sleep Homeostasis in Flies and Mammals

Abstract

Sleep is homeostatically regulated with sleep pressure accumulating with the increasing duration of prior wakefulness. Yet, a clear understanding of the molecular components of the homeostat, as well as the molecular and cellular processes they sense and control to regulate sleep intensity and duration, remain a mystery. Here, we will discuss the cellular and molecular basis of sleep homeostasis, first focusing on the best homeostatic sleep marker in vertebrates, slow wave activity; second, moving to the molecular genetic analysis of sleep homeostasis in the fruit fly Drosophila; and, finally, discussing more systemic aspects of sleep homeostasis.

Abstract

Although much has yet to be learned about the molecular and cellular controls of sleep intensity and duration, research on mammals and flies is revealing some conserved features (e.g., neuronal plasticity).