Identification of Myelin-gene Regulatory Factor as a Critical Transcriptional Regulator Required for CNS Myelination

ABSTRACT: The transcriptional control of CNS myelin gene expression is poorly understood. Here we identify gene model 98, which we have named Myelin-gene Regulatory Factor (MRF), as a transcriptional regulator required for CNS myelination. Within the CNS, MRF is specifically expressed by postmitotic oligodendrocytes. MRF is a nuclear protein containing an evolutionarily conserved DNA binding domain homologous to a yeast transcription factor. Knockdown of MRF in oligodendrocytes by RNA interference prevents expression of most CNS myelin genes; conversely, overexpression of MRF within cultured oligodendrocyte progenitors or the chick spinal cord promotes expression of myelin genes. In mice lacking MRF within the oligodendrocyte lineage, pre-myelinating oligodendrocytes are generated but display severe

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Ben Emery 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-15303 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress