RGD Reference Report - The BRN-3A transcription factor protects sensory but not sympathetic neurons from programmed cell death/apoptosis. - Rat Genome Database

Send us a Message



Submit Data |  Help |  Video Tutorials |  News |  Publications |  Download |  REST API |  Citing RGD |  Contact   

The BRN-3A transcription factor protects sensory but not sympathetic neurons from programmed cell death/apoptosis.

Authors: Ensor, E  Smith, MD  Latchman, DS 
Citation: Ensor E, etal., J Biol Chem 2001 Feb 16;276(7):5204-12.
RGD ID: 724643
Pubmed: PMID:11053412   (View Abstract at PubMed)
DOI: DOI:10.1074/jbc.M007068200   (Journal Full-text)

Inactivation of the gene encoding the POU domain transcription factor BRN-3A results in the absence of specific neurons in knockout mice. Here we demonstrate for the first time a direct effect of BRN-3A on the survival of neuronal cells. Specifically, overexpression of BRN-3A in cultured trigeminal ganglion or dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons enhanced their survival following the withdrawal of nerve growth factor. Moreover, reduction of BRN-3A levels impaired the survival of these neurons. The survival of sympathetic neurons was not affected by either approach. Similarly, overexpression of BRN-3A activated the endogenous Bcl-2 gene in trigeminal neurons, but not in sympathetic neurons. The protective effect of BRN-3A on trigeminal neuron survival following nerve growth factor withdrawal significantly increased during embryonic development. In contrast, overexpression of the related factor BRN-3B enhanced survival of trigeminal neurons only at an early stage of embryonic development. Thus, BRN-3A (and in some circumstances, BRN-3B) can promote the survival of nerve growth factor-dependent sensory but not sympathetic neurons, allowing it to play a direct role in the survival of some (but not all) neuronal populations in the developing and adult nervous systems.

Gene Ontology Annotations    Click to see Annotation Detail View

Biological Process
TermQualifierEvidenceWithReferenceNotesSourceOriginal Reference(s)
negative regulation of neuron apoptotic process  IMP 724643 RGD 

Objects Annotated

Genes (Rattus norvegicus)
Pou4f1  (POU class 4 homeobox 1)

Objects referenced in this article
Gene Pou4f2 POU class 4 homeobox 2 Rattus norvegicus

Additional Information