Ap-1 Transcription Factors: Short- and Long-Term Modulators of Gene Expression in The Brain

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the regulation of AP-1 and related transcription factors followed by their role in brain injury and drug abuse-related behavior, two paradigms that contain acute and chronic components. The diversity of AP-1 and related complexes appears in a specific temporal and locational order. For rapid adjustment, induction of Fos with JunB forms a complex to respond to short-lived environmental stimuli. However, permanent or chronic alterations in the cellular environment require the persistent expression of long-term Fras to dimerize with Jun or the constitutively produced JunD to form AP-1 DNA-binding activity that regulates genes related to neuroplasticity. The cAMP-responsive element protein (CREB) and related proteins are involved in acute and chronic changes in neuronal gene expression either alone or by forming complexes with AP-1 proteins. Further complicating brain gene regulation is the function of MAF and Nrl transcription factors plus auxiliary proteins, such as CBP/p300, in the regulation of gene transcription in the brain.