Novel β-catenin target genes identified in thalamic neurons encode modulators of neuronal excitability.

ABSTRACT:

Background

LEF1/TCF transcription factors and their activator β-catenin are effectors of the canonical Wnt pathway. Although Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, its possible role in the adult brain remains enigmatic. To address this issue, we sought to identify the genetic program activated by β-catenin in neurons. We recently showed that β-catenin accumulates specifically in thalamic neurons where it activates Cacna1g gene expression. In the present study, we combined bioinformatics and experimental approaches to find new β-catenin targets in the adult thalamus.

Results

We first selected the genes with at least two conserved LEF/TCF motifs within the regulatory elements. The resulting list of 428 putative LEF1/TCF targ

SUBMITTER: Wisniewska MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3532193 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature