Work

The role of transcription factor Pitx3 in dopamine neuron development and Parkinson's disease.

Year: 2009

Type: review

Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra compacta (SNc). The transcription factor Pitx3 is important for the differentiation and maintenance of midbrain DA neurons during development. There is highly restricted and constitutive expression of Pitx3 in the SNc and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain after birth. In addition to its importance during development, Pitx3 also has roles in the long-term survival and maintenance of the midbrain DA neurons. In this review, we discuss the function of Pitx3 throughout the life of midbrain neurons and the contribution of Pitx3 to disease mechanisms.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Jia Li, John A Dani, Weidong Le

Institution: Baylor College of Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Awards: Acute Nicotine Decreases Alcohol-induced Dopamine Response & Increases Drinking, Dopaminergic regulation of in vivo plasticity & memory retention