Neuronal development requires the unfoldment of a highly complex differentiation program. Deciphering the regulatory code underlying this program has direct relevance for CNS disease, since many disorders arise from disruption of one or more neuronal differentiation events. In particular, it is now clear that the interplay between transcription factors and dynamic changes in chromatin structure during neuronal development is altered in several nervous system disorders. As neurons mature, they pass through successive maturation stages in which unique subsets of genes must be turned on and off in the proper sequence and timing. Altering this temporal program can result in serious developmental defects. Individual transcription factors often function during multiple stages of neuronal differentiation, and what determines the temporal patterning for the distinct subsets of genes they control at different steps is not understood. The central goal of this proposal is to define the critical timekeeping mechanisms that ensure the sequential ordering of gene transcription during neuronal differentiation. To address this, we are exploring the temporal regulation of a neuron-specific gene during development. In this proposal, we will examine key interactions between trans-activators, trans-repressors and chromatin structure that collaborate in determining the regulation of the transcriptional timer involved. We will examine temporal interactions of different trans-factors and chromatin modifiers with native chromatin as well as various chromatin modifications occurring within the target gene locus, both in primary neurons and within the CNS. Promoter analyses also will be performed in primary neuronal cultures and in vivo using transgenic approaches. In addition, specific gene knockouts for candidate timekeepers will be examined to determine whether trans-factor disruption alters the transcriptional timer in vivo. Results from these studies will provide insight into how different phases of neuronal development are coordinated to ensure appropriate maturation and function. They also will identify important developmental regulators that may underlie CNS disorders.

Public Health Relevance

Defects in genes that control the proper formation of the nervous system frequently giver is to severe neurological disorders. Our studies will identify key mechanisms that determine the appropriate timing of nervous system development as well as candidate CNS disease-related genes involved in this process.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS063047-04
Application #
8097943
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MNG-K (01))
Program Officer
Riddle, Robert D
Project Start
2008-07-15
Project End
2013-06-30
Budget Start
2011-07-01
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$317,383
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603847393
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655
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Leto, Ketty; Arancillo, Marife; Becker, Esther B E et al. (2016) Consensus Paper: Cerebellar Development. Cerebellum 15:789-828
Ding, Baojin; Cave, John W; Dobner, Paul R et al. (2016) Reciprocal autoregulation by NFI occupancy and ETV1 promotes the developmental expression of dendrite-synapse genes in cerebellar granule neurons. Mol Biol Cell 27:1488-99
Ding, Baojin (2015) Gene expression in maturing neurons: regulatory mechanisms and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Sheng Li Xue Bao 67:113-33
Ding, Baojin; Wang, Wei; Selvakumar, Tharakeswari et al. (2013) Temporal regulation of nuclear factor one occupancy by calcineurin/NFAT governs a voltage-sensitive developmental switch in late maturing neurons. J Neurosci 33:2860-72
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Wang, Wei; Shin, Yong; Shi, Min et al. (2011) Temporal control of a dendritogenesis-linked gene via REST-dependent regulation of nuclear factor I occupancy. Mol Biol Cell 22:868-79
Wang, Wei; Karagogeos, Domna; Kilpatrick, Daniel L (2011) The effects of Tag-1 on the maturation of mouse cerebellar granule neurons. Cell Mol Neurobiol 31:351-6
Wang, Wei; Crandall, James E; Litwack, E David et al. (2010) Targets of the nuclear factor I regulon involved in early and late development of postmitotic cerebellar granule neurons. J Neurosci Res 88:258-65