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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
Published on: September 20, 2018
Inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) and brain functions.
Gilyana Borlikova1, Shogo Endo
1Unit for Molecular Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Uruma, Okinawa 904-2234, Japan.
Molecular Neurobiology
|May 13, 2009
Summary
The inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) acts as a natural repressor of gene transcription. This review highlights ICER's crucial role in regulating brain plasticity, learning, and memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) is a key repressor of cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-mediated gene transcription.
- ICER belongs to the CRE-binding protein (CREB)/CRE modulator (CREM)/activating transcription factor 1 (ATF-1) gene family.
- ICER is known to regulate neuroendocrine functions and circadian rhythms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions of ICER in the brain.
- To emphasize recent findings on ICER's role in long-term plasticity, learning, and memory.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on ICER.
- Synthesis of data on ICER's molecular mechanisms and physiological roles.
Main Results:
- ICER functions as an inducible CREB antagonist and a broader repressor of CRE-mediated transcription.
- ICER is implicated in regulating long-lasting plastic changes in the brain.
- Recent studies highlight ICER's involvement in the molecular basis of learning and memory.
Conclusions:
- ICER is a critical regulator of gene transcription influencing brain plasticity.
- Further research into ICER's functions may reveal new therapeutic targets for cognitive disorders.
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