High-Throughput Analysis of Promoter Occupancy Reveals New Targets for Arx, a Gene Mutated in Mental Retardation and Interneuronopathies
2011

New Targets for the ARX Gene in Brain Development

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Quillé Marie-Lise, Carat Solenne, Quéméner-Redon Sylvia, Hirchaud Edouard, Baron Daniel, Benech Caroline, Guihot Jeanne, Placet Morgane, Mignen Olivier, Férec Claude, Houlgatte Rémi, Friocourt Gaëlle

Primary Institution: Inserm U613, Brest, France

Hypothesis

What are the transcriptional targets of the ARX gene and how do they relate to brain development and disorders?

Conclusion

The study identified 1006 gene promoters bound by ARX, revealing new targets that may help understand intellectual disabilities and epilepsy associated with ARX mutations.

Supporting Evidence

  • ARX is implicated in various intellectual disabilities and is expressed in GABAergic neurons.
  • The study identified 1006 gene promoters bound by ARX, with 24% showing expression changes.
  • Functional annotations linked ARX targets to brain development and neurological disorders.

Takeaway

Scientists found many genes that the ARX gene talks to in the brain, which could help explain why some people have learning problems.

Methodology

The researchers used chromatin immunoprecipitation and microarray analysis to identify gene promoters bound by ARX in neuroblastoma cells and mouse embryonic brain.

Limitations

The study may have missed some targets due to the specific developmental stage and cell types used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025181

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