RNA Binding Proteins
Outline of the Work
Regulation of protein expression in the nervous system
Neurons, glial cells and oligodendrocytes, which constitute the nervous system of mammals, arise as a result of differentiation from common stem cells called “neural stem cells.” Many proteins, including transcription factors, are involved in the differentiation of these cells, as part of a gene expression regulatory system, which is quite complex both temporally and spatially. During the processes of neuronal differentiation and maturation, it is essential that these regulatory factors to be expressed at the appropriate locations, in appropriate amounts, for appropriate periods, in a predetermined sequence and at the exact time-points. If any of these requirements are unsatisfied, it will cause the failure of normal brain development. Which part of the genome carries and how does it carry the information required for this complex and tightly regulated timetable?
We think that the timings of the production and elimination of each gene products are strictly regulated through the control of mRNA translation and degradation of the proteins. We are approaching to resolve this question by analyzing the functions of regulatory molecules, such as RNA-binding proteins (expressed in the nervous systems and possibly involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and higher brain functions) and ubiquitin ligase (inducing rapid and selective degradation of specific proteins within neurons).
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