Satb1 ablation alters temporal expression of immediate early genes and reduces dendritic spine density during postnatal brain development.

ABSTRACT: Complex behaviors, such as learning and memory, are associated with rapid changes in gene expression of neurons and subsequent formation of new synaptic connections. However, how external signals are processed to drive specific changes in gene expression is largely unknown. We found that the genome organizer protein Satb1 is highly expressed in mature neurons, primarily in the cerebral cortex, dentate hilus, and amygdala. In Satb1-null mice, cortical layer morphology was normal. However, in postnatal Satb1-null cortical pyramidal neurons, we found a substantial decrease in the density of dendritic spines, which play critical roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Further, we found that in the cerebral cortex, Satb1 binds to genomic loci of multiple immediate early genes (IEGs) (Fos

SUBMITTER: Balamotis MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3255767 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature