Global differential expression of genes located in the Down Syndrome Critical Region in normal human brain

• Published in: Colombia médica (Cali, Colombia) Colombia), 2014-10, Vol.45 (4), p.154-161
• Main Authors: Montoya, Julio Cesar, Fajardo, Dianora, Peña, Ángela, Sánchez, Adalberto, Domínguez, Martha C, Satizábal, José María, Garcia Vallejo, Felipe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 0120-8322; 1657-9534
• DOI: 10.25100/cm.v45i4.1640

Background: The information on gene expression obtained from databases has made possible the extraction and analysis of data related to several molecular processes involving not only brain homeostasis but its disruption in some neuropathologies, principally in Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Objective: To correlate the transcription levels of 19 genes located in the Down Syndrome Critical Region (DSCR) with their expression in several substructures of the normal human brain. Methods: There were obtained expression profiles of 19 DSCR genes in 42 brain substructures from gene expression values available in the database of the human brain of the Brain Atlas of the Allen Institute for Brain Sciences" (http://human.brain-map.org/). The co-expression patterns of DSCR genes in the brain were calculated using multivariate statistical methods. Results: The highest levels of gene expression were registered at the caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, and putamen among central areas of the cerebral cortex. Increased expression levels of RCAN1 that are encoded by a protein involved in the signal transduction process of the CNS were recorded for PCP4, which participates in the binding to calmodulin, and TTC3, a protein that is associated with the differentiation of neurons. Previously identified brain structures play a crucial role in the learning process, in different classes of memory and in motor skills. Conclusion: The precise regulation of DSCR gene expression is crucial to maintain the brain homeostasis, especially in those areas with high levels of gene expression associated with a remarkable process of learning and cognition.