New molecular alarm clock found in vertebrates

Dozens of chemical interactions in the vertebrate brain go into maintaining a natural sleep schedule, and scientists have recently found one more player on the field: a neurochemical called neuromedin U, or Nmu. The protein, which was analyzed in zebrafish but is also found in humans, acts to stimulate wakefulness, particularly in the morning.

Originally published at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160217125533.htm