Cell-type-specific expression of the TFIID component TAF(II)135 in the nervous system

A number of nervous system-specific enhancers and silencers have been isola ted and characterized. However, the detailed mechanism of cell- and tissue- specific regulation of transcription is to a large extent unknown and the r ole of the basal transcriptional complex components in these processes is m ostly unclear. Here we demonstrate that mRNA levels of TATA binding protein -associated factor TAF(II)135 are upregulated in neuronal cells during deve lopment. In addition, induction of neuronal differentiation of teratocarcin oma PCC7 cells results in dramatic induction of TAF(II)135 mRNA levels and activation of a variety of promoters. The stimulation of promoter activity in differentiating cells is mimicked by the overexpression of TAF(II)135. A s neuronal differentiation requires changes in the general pattern of trans criptional activity, we suggest that increased levels of TAF(II)135 facilit ate the induction of a large number of neuronal genes. (C) 2001 Academic Pr ess.