title: AP-1 transcription factor complexes in CNS disorders and development.
abstract: Transcription factors are regulatory proteins that modify gene expression. Any cellular function requiring alterations in mRNA levels depends upon these factors. The CNS, AP-1 (activator protein-1; c-fos and fos-related antigens plus jun-related factors) and CREB (cAMP responsive element binding protein) families of transcription factors have been extensively studied. The DNA binding complex is composed of dimers formed between the AP-1 and CREB factors and binding specificity is dictated by which proteins comprise the complex. Whereas the AP-1 factors are inducible, CREB and related proteins are constitutive and regulate gene transcription through phosphorylation. Due to seizure activity, many AP-1 factors are induced, but rapidly return to basal levels. However, if neuronal death occurs, fos-related antigens of 35 kDa persist for an extended period and may be involved in regulating genes related to neuronal plasticity. Similar factors are expressed after chronic drug treatment indicating a role in drug tolerance. However, during early CNS development, elevated AP-1 DNA binding consisting of c-jun and CREB occurs in every brain region and is inversely related to the degree of maturation of a particular brain area. These transcription factors are important for gene regulation during CNS dysfunction and development and those present specify which genes are activated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA.
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Pennypacker
mesh_terms: D051698:Activating Transcription Factor 2; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D016923:Cell Death; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D016350:Leucine Zippers / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000235:genetics; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D012640:Seizures / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D014157:Transcription Factors
chemical_list: D051698:Activating Transcription Factor 2; D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1; D014157:Transcription Factors