Adnan Haider, Adeeb Shehzad, Fazli Wahid, Anuj Kumar, Kummara Madhusudana Rao and Sung Soo Han
In molecular biology and genetics, the transcription factor is a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences, thereby controlling the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA. Brn-3a is a POU-domain transcription factor that involve in the neurite outgrowth, induction of synaptic proteins, activation of the neurofilaments genes promoter, neuronal development, protects neuronal cells from apoptosis and plays a vital role in regulating different kinds of cancers. Brn-3a is an antiapoptotic transcription factor and the up-regulation of Brn-3a protects neuronal cells from undergoing apoptosis. Brn-3a specifically triggers the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl- XL gene in neuronal cells. On the other hand, Brn-3a inhibits the pro-apoptotic factor like Bax. Brn-3a not only expresses in the neuronal cells but also its activity is detected in the cancer cells of non-neuronal nature. Brn-3a also modulates the activity of various others transcription factors, enzymes, receptors, ion channels, antiapoptotic proteins, adhesion molecules and cyclins. In this Review, we describe all the above factors in detail which are regulated by Brn-3a signaling in the neurology and the possible mechanisms underlying the many different functions of the Brn-3a complexes in neurological diseases. It also highlights the potential of Brn-3a as a novel target in heart development and cancer therapy.
