Identification of Gephyrin and Ubiquilin as Novel Target Genes for The Plasticity-Related Transcription Factor Zif268

McDade, D.M., Conway, A.-M., James, A.B. and Morris, J.B. (2005) Identification of Gephyrin and Ubiquilin as Novel Target Genes for The Plasticity-Related Transcription Factor Zif268. In: 18th National Meeting of the British Neuroscience Association, Brighton, England, 3-6 Apr 2005,

Abstract

The immediate early gene Zif268 (also known as Egr-1, Krox24 or NGF-IA) is an inducible transcription factor implicated in many different forms of neuronal plasticity. Long term changes in the activity of neuronal circuits are sustained by an altered pattern of gene expression and protein synthesis. Downstream targets of Zif268 are widely believed to contribute to the duration and stabilisation of NMDA receptor dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) which, in turn, can be linked to various models of learning and memory. In our experiments we have attempted to elucidate potential downstream gene targets of Zif268. In particular, we have focused on two proteins associated with GABAA receptors (GABAARs) at inhibitory synapses; Ubiquilin (also known as Plic-1) which regulates receptor surface expression and Gephyrin, thought to cluster and anchor GABAARs at postsynaptic sites. Utilising the pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line and verifying our results with primary cortical neuron cultures, we have measured RNA and protein levels after Zif268 upregulation. Our results suggest that both Gephyrin and Ubiquilin are novel Zif268 targets. Manipulation of GABAAR number at synaptic sites has extensive implications for the efficacy of synaptic transmission and therefore neuronal network plasticity.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: James, Dr Allan
• Authors: McDade, D.M., Conway, A.-M., James, A.B., and Morris, J.B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences