The Brn-3a transcription factor.
Brn-3a is a member of the POU family of transcription factors which is expressed predominantly in neuronal cells. It exists in two forms, with the long form containing 84 amino acids at the N-terminus which are lacking in the short form. The N-terminal domain unique to the long form allows it to induce expression of the Bcl-2 gene and protect neuronal cells from apoptosis whereas the C-terminal POU domain common to both forms is sufficient for activating a number of other neuronally expressed genes and stimulating neuronal process outgrowth. These effects of Brn-3a suggest that manipulation of its expression by pharmacological or gene therapy procedures may be of benefit in human neurological diseases.
Latchman
D S
DS
Department of Molecular Pathology, Windeyer Institute of Medical Sciences, University College London, UK.
D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D050818:Transcription Factor Brn-3; D050819:Transcription Factor Brn-3A; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C494188:POU4F1 protein, human; C494189:Pou4f1 protein, mouse; D050818:Transcription Factor Brn-3; D050819:Transcription Factor Brn-3A; D014157:Transcription Factors