THE BRN-3A TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR

Brn-3a is a member of the POU family of transcription factors which is expressed predominantly in neuronal cells. It exists in two forms, wi th the long form containing 84 amino acids at the N-terminus which are lacking in the short form. The N-terminal domain unique to the long f orm allows it to induce expression of the Bcl-2 gene and protect neuro nal cells from apoptosis whereas the C-terminal POU domain common to b oth forms is sufficient for activating a number of other neuronally ex pressed genes and stimulating neuronal pl-oct:ss outgrowth. These effe cts of Brn-3a suggest that manipulation of its expression by pharmacol ogical or gene therapy procedures may be of benefit in human neurologi cal diseases. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.