The nucleus ambiguus (nAmb) in the brainstem is functionally heterogeneous, regulating heart rate, controlling the upper airways and oesophagus and performing autonomic functions, including mediating the mammalian diving reflex. Whether these different functional roles are mediated by distinct neuronal subpopulations within the nAmb is unknown. Jalil et al. investigated this question using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, anatomical tracing and functional manipulation in mice.
The authors identified a distinct neuropeptide Y2 receptor-expressing (Npy2r+) neuronal subtype that selectively projects to cardiac ganglia but not the upper airways or oesophagus. Selective chemogenetic activation of these neurons in mice reduced heart rate via peripheral muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription Receive 12 print issues and online access Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Jalil, M. et al.
Molecular disambiguation of heart rate control by the nucleus ambiguus. Neurosci. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0398-26.2026 (2026) Nature Reviews Neuroscience http://www.nature.com/nrn/ Lewis, S. A defined brainstem circuit for cardiac control.
Neurosci. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-026-01095-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-026-01095-5
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