Whole transcriptome analysis of a reversible neurodegenerative process in Drosophila reveals potential neuroprotective genes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive and irreversible and they can be initiated by mutations in specific genes. Spalt-like genes (Sall) encode transcription factors expressed in the central nervous system. In humans, SALL mutations are associated with hereditary syndromes characterized by mental retardation, sensorineural deafness and motoneuron problems, among others. Drosophila sall mutants exhibit severe neurodegeneration of the central nervous system at embryonic stage 16, which surprisingly reverts later in development at embryonic stage 17, suggesting a potential to recover from neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that this recovery is mediated by a reorganization of the transcriptome counteracting SALL lost. To identify genes associated to neurodegeneration an

SUBMITTER: Ferreiro MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3496630 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature