Abstract
The EGR family of transcription regulatory factors, which is implicated in orchestrating the changes in gene expression that underlie neuronal plasticity, has attracted the attention of both molecular and systems neuroscientists. In this article, the advances made in both these fields of research are reviewed. Recent systems-based studies underscore the remarkable sensitivity and specificity of the induction of the expression of genes encoding EGR-family members in naturally occurring plasticity paradigms. However, they also challenge conventional views of the role of this family in plasticity. Recent molecular studies have identified the gonadotropin subunit, luteinizing hormone beta, as an EGR1-regulated gene in vivo and uncovered an essential role for EGR3 in muscle-spindle development. In addition, the discovery of novel proteins that are capable of suppressing EGR-mediated transcription cast doubt over the prevalent assumption that changes in EGR mRNA or protein levels provide an accurate measure of EGR-driven transcriptional activity.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Circadian Rhythm / physiology
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
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Discrimination, Psychological / physiology
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Dopamine / physiology
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Early Growth Response Protein 1
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Early Growth Response Protein 2
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Early Growth Response Protein 3
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Early Growth Response Transcription Factors
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
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Genes, Immediate-Early
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Immediate-Early Proteins*
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Infertility / genetics
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Learning / physiology
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Luteinizing Hormone / genetics
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Luteinizing Hormone / physiology
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Multigene Family
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Muscle Spindles / abnormalities
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Muscle Spindles / physiology
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / deficiency
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
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Nervous System Malformations / genetics
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Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
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Norepinephrine / physiology
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Songbirds / physiology
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Synaptic Transmission / physiology
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Transcription Factors / physiology*
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Transcription, Genetic
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Visual Perception / physiology
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Vocalization, Animal / physiology
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Early Growth Response Protein 1
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Early Growth Response Protein 2
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Early Growth Response Transcription Factors
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Egr1 protein, mouse
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Egr2 protein, mouse
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Egr3 protein, mouse
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Egr4 protein, mouse
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Immediate-Early Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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Early Growth Response Protein 3
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Luteinizing Hormone
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Dopamine
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Norepinephrine