Inducible and constitutive transcription factors in the mammalian nervous system: control of gene expression by Jun, Fos and Krox, and CREB/ATF proteins

This article reviews findings up to the end of 1997 about the inducible tra nscription factors (ITFs) c-Jun, JunB, JunD, c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2, Kro x-20 (Egr-2) and Krox-24 (NGFI-A, Egr-1, Zif268); and the constitutive tran scription factors (CTFs) CREB, CREM, ATF-2 and SRF as they pertain to gene expression in the mammalian nervous system. In the first part we consider b asic facts about the expression and activity of these transcription factors : the organization of the encoding genes and their promoters, the second me ssenger cascades converging on their regulatory promoter sites, the control of their transcription, the binding to dimeric partners and to specific DN A. sequences, their trans-activation potential, and their posttranslational modifications. In the second part we describe the expression and possible roles of these transcription factors in neural tissue: in the quiescent bra in, during pre- and postnatal development, following sensory stimulation, n erve transection (axotomy), neurodegeneration and apoptosis, hypoxia-ischem ia, generalized and limbic seizures, long-term potentiation and learning, d rug dependence and withdrawal, and following stimulation by neurotransmitte rs, hormones and neurotrophins. We also describe their expression and possi ble roles in glial cells. Finally, we discuss the relevance of their expres sion for nervous system functioning under normal and patho-physiological co nditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.