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Lysosomal Cathepsin Protease Gene Expression Profiles in the Human Brain During Normal Development
Amy Hsu1, Sonia Podvin1, Vivian Hook2,3
1Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. MC0719, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0719, USA.
Journal of Molecular Neuroscience : MN
|July 16, 2018
Summary
Human brain development involves specific patterns of cathepsin protease gene expression. These patterns remain consistent across brain regions and developmental stages from prenatal to young adulthood, crucial for protein homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cathepsin proteases are vital for protein homeostasis in the brain.
- Understanding human brain cathepsin gene expression during development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental expression profiles of 15 cathepsin genes across 16 human brain regions.
- To analyze cathepsin gene expression from prenatal stages through young adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Utilized quantitative RNA-sequencing data from the Allen Brain Atlas.
- Examined cathepsin gene expression in 16 distinct human brain regions across various developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Total cathepsin gene expression was lowest prenatally, increased in infancy, and remained stable thereafter.
- A consistent rank order of cathepsin expression (high: B, D, F; moderate: A, L, Z; low: C, H, K, O, S, V; very low: E, G, W) was observed across brain regions and ages.
- Expression patterns were well-defined and balanced throughout human brain development.
Conclusions:
- The human brain exhibits consistent and balanced cathepsin gene expression patterns during development.
- This foundational knowledge aids in understanding cathepsin dysregulation in lysosomal-related brain disorders.
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