HES6-1 and HES6-2 function through different mechanisms during neuronal differentiation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Notch signalling plays a central role in the mechanisms regulating neuronal differentiation in the vertebrate nervous system. The transcriptional repressors encoded by Hes genes are the main effectors of this pathway, acting in neural progenitors during the lateral inhibition process to repress proneural genes and inhibit differentiation. However, Hes6 genes seem to behave differently: they are expressed in differentiating neurons and facilitate the activity of proneural genes in promoting neurogenesis. Still, the molecular mechanisms underlying this unique function of Hes6 genes are not yet understood.

Methodology/principal findings

Here, we identify two subgroups of Hes6 genes that seem conserved in most vertebrate species and characterize a novel Hes6 gene in c

SUBMITTER: Vilas-Boas F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2996300 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature