ASCL1-mediated direct reprogramming: converting ventral midbrain astrocytes into dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease therapy.

ABSTRACT: Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra, is caused by various genetic and environmental factors. Current treatment methods are medication and surgery; however, a primary therapy has not yet been proposed. In this study, we aimed to develop a new treatment for PD that induces direct reprogramming of dopaminergic neurons (iDAN). Achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1 (ASCL1) is a primary factor that initiates and regulates central nervous system development and induces neurogenesis. In addition, it interacts with BRN2 and MYT1L, which are crucial transcription factors for the direct conversion of fibroblasts into neurons. Overexpression of ASCL1 along with the transcription factors NURR1 and LMX1A can directly reprogram iD

SUBMITTER: Yong SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11362138 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature