Intersectional expression of Foxp2 and Grp identifies cold-activated parabrachial neurons

Fillan S Grady; Mya L Leaung; Silvia Gasparini; Haidong Zhu; Joel C Geerling

doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00133.2026

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Intersectional expression of Foxp2 and Grp identifies cold-activated parabrachial neurons

Journal article

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Intersectional expression of Foxp2 and Grp identifies cold-activated parabrachial neurons

Fillan S Grady, Mya L Leaung, Silvia Gasparini, Haidong Zhu and Joel C Geerling

American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, Vol.331(1), pp.R44-R51

07/2026

DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00133.2026

PMID: 42200448

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Abstract

The parabrachial nucleus (PB) contains many neuronal subpopulations, including a cold-activated subset that relays thermosensory information to the forebrain. Although these neurons are part of the Atoh1-derived PB macropopulation, their precise genetic identity has remained unclear, limiting cell-type-specific investigation of cold-defense circuitry. In this study, we show that this subpopulation is selectively identified by co-expression of Foxp2 and Grp. This intersectional molecular identity suggests a practical strategy for selectively targeting cold-activated PB neurons, enabling cell-type-specific dissection of the circuit mechanisms underlying autonomic and behavioral cold-defense responses.

Thermoregulation

cold defense

cold exposure

parabrachial nucleus

gastrin-releasing peptide

Details

Title: Subtitle: Intersectional expression of Foxp2 and Grp identifies cold-activated parabrachial neurons
Creators: Fillan S Grady - University of Washington
Mya L Leaung - University of Iowa
Silvia Gasparini - University of Iowa
Haidong Zhu - University of Iowa
Joel C Geerling - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, Vol.331(1), pp.R44-R51
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00133.2026
PMID: 42200448
NLM abbreviation: Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol
ISSN: 1522-1490
eISSN: 1522-1490
Publisher: American Physiological Society; Rockville
Grant note: NS099425 / HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) NS130038 / HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust (RJCCT)
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 05/27/2026
Date published: 07/2026
Academic Unit: Neurology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Record Identifier: 9985166967002771

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