The DNA binding activity of the paired box transcription factor Pax-3 is rapidly downregulated during neuronal cell differentiation

• Published in: FEBS letters 1998-01, Vol.422 (1), p.118-122
• Main Authors: Reeves, F.C, Fredericks, W.J, Rauscher, F.J, Lillycrop, K.A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell Cycle - physiology; Cell Differentiation - physiology; Cell Division - genetics; Cell Line; Cell proliferation; Differentiation; DNA Replication - genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Down-Regulation - physiology; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental - genetics; Nerve Tissue Proteins - metabolism; Neuronal cell; Neurons - metabolism; Nuclear Proteins - analysis; Paired Box Transcription Factors; Pax-3; PAX3 Transcription Factor; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Transcription Factors - metabolism
• ISSN: 0014-5793; 1873-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/S0014-5793(97)01598-6

Mutations in the murine P ax-3 gene lead to a range of developmental abnormalities including deficiencies in sensory and sympathetic neurones. We have investigated P ax-3 expression during neuronal differentiation and show levels of P ax-3 DNA binding decrease upon cell cycle arrest and morphological differentiation. The fall in P ax-3 DNA binding occurs within 1 h of the induction of differentiation and is mediated in part by a decrease in P ax-3 mRNA. This decrease in P ax-3 binding activity precedes any changes in cell proliferation or morphology, suggesting that the downregulation of this transcription factor may be an important prerequisite for the differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells.