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Systematic gene expression mapping clusters nuclear receptors according to their function in the brain.
Françoise Gofflot1, Nathalie Chartoire, Laurent Vasseur
1Institut Clinique de la Souris, 67404 Illkirch, France.
Cell
|October 25, 2007
Summary
This study maps nuclear receptors (NRs) in the adult mouse brain, revealing networks controlling feeding and memory. The MousePat database provides cellular-resolution expression data for understanding brain function and homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nuclear receptors (NRs) are crucial transcription factors linking environmental cues to gene expression.
- Understanding NR function in the complex brain is essential for deciphering its regulatory roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive expression atlas of all 49 nuclear receptor genes in the adult mouse brain.
- To establish a resource for investigating NR roles in brain function and homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic quantitative and anatomical expression profiling of 49 NR genes across 104 adult mouse brain regions.
- Development of the interactive MousePat database for visualizing NR expression patterns at cellular resolution.
Main Results:
- Generated a detailed expression atlas of NR genes in the mouse brain.
- Clustered NR expression patterns into anatomical and regulatory networks.
- Identified NR networks involved in controlling feeding behavior and learning/memory.
Conclusions:
- The MousePat database provides a valuable resource for functional genomic studies of NRs in the brain.
- NR networks play significant roles in regulating complex brain functions and maintaining whole-body homeostasis.
- Further mining of MousePat data will enhance understanding of NR-mediated control of behavior.
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