Regulation of the noradrenaline neurotransmitter phenotype by the transcription factor AP-2beta.

ABSTRACT: AP-2 family transcription factors are essential for development and morphogenesis of diverse tissues and organs, but their precise roles in specification of neural crest stem cell (NCSC)-derived cell types have not been determined. Among three members known to be expressed in the NCSC (i.e. AP-2alpha, AP-2beta, and AP-2gamma), we found that only AP-2beta is predominantly expressed in the sympathetic ganglia of developing mouse embryos, supporting its role in sympathetic development. Indeed, AP-2beta null mice expressed significantly reduced levels of both noradrenaline (NA) and NA-synthesizing dopamine beta-hydroxylase in the peripheral nervous system. Strikingly, we also found that NA neuron development was significantly compromised in the locus coeruleus as well. Pharmacological treatmen

SUBMITTER: Hong SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2423267 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature