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Estradiol alters transcription factor gene expression in primate prefrontal cortex
1Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|April 14, 2004
Summary
Estradiol (E2) influences gene expression in the primate brain. Short-term E2 treatment altered c-FOS, E2F1, and TFIIB levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), suggesting direct and indirect neuronal effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Estrogen demonstrates neuroprotective properties against various insults in vitro and is implicated in neuroprotection in vivo.
- Estrogen is known to enhance higher-level cognitive functions, particularly those mediated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic mechanisms underlying estrogen's effects on the primate brain.
- To compare transcription factor mRNA and protein expression in the DLPFC of ovariectomized rhesus monkeys treated with estradiol (E2) or vehicle.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DNA arrays to assess transcription factor mRNA expression.
- Employed in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for protein expression analysis.
- Conducted immunoblot evaluations for protein quantification.
Main Results:
- Short-term E2 treatment significantly altered the expression of c-FOS, E2F1, and general transcription factor IIB (TFIIB) mRNA and protein.
- Observed a significant increase in c-FOS expression.
- Noted a decrease in E2F1 and TFIIB levels in the E2-treated group's DLPFC.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen modulates specific transcription factor expression in the primate prefrontal cortex.
- These transcription factors (c-FOS, E2F1, TFIIB) are localized in cortical pyramids alongside estrogen receptors alpha and beta.
- Findings suggest that estrogen exerts both direct and indirect influences on neuronal gene expression within the primate prefrontal cortex.
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