Role of the two functional domains of the Brn-3a transcription factor in neuronal survival and differentiation

BRN-3a调节蛋白在神经系统发育中起着关键作用，它的缺失与生存是不相容的。BRN-3a通过两种方式发挥作用，一是通过促进细胞分化为成熟的神经元表型，二是通过提高神经元的存活率。我们已经证明，BRN-3a分子的两个不同区域负责这两种不同的影响。在这个项目中，我们将详细分析这两个区域分别产生增强神经元分化和神经元存活的方式。这项工作将加深我们对神经系统的正常发育和BRN-3a调节方式的理解，以及BRN-3a作为促进神经退行性疾病神经元存活的潜在手段的应用。

The Brn-3a regulatory protein plays a key role in the development of the nervous system and its absence is incompatible with survival. Brn-3a exerts its effects in two ways, firstly by enhancing the differentiation of cells to a mature neuronal phenotype and secondly, by enhancing neuronal survival. We have demonstrated that two distinct regions of the Brn-3a molecule are responsible for these two different effects. In this project we will analyse in detail the manner in which these two regions produce respectively, enhanced neuronal differentiation and neuronal survival. This work will enhance our understanding of the normal development of the nervous system and the manner in which it is regulated by Brn-3a, as well as the potential use of Brn-3a as a means of promoting enhanced neuronal survival in neurodegenerative diseases.