Faculty Collaboration Database

Positional cloning of the young mutation identifies an essential role for the Brahma chromatin remodeling complex in mediating retinal cell differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003 May 27;100(11):6535-40

Date

05/16/2003

Pubmed ID

12748389

Pubmed Central ID

PMC164481

DOI

10.1073/pnas.0631813100

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0038312996   75 Citations

Abstract

Zebrafish with the young (yng) mutation show a defect in retinal cell differentiation. Here we demonstrate that a mutation in a brahma-related gene (brg1) is responsible for the yng phenotype. Brahma homologues function as essential subunits for SWI/SNF-type chromatin remodeling complexes. Our analysis indicates that brg1 is required for the wave of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity that precedes retinal cell differentiation. Using specific inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway we show this signal has a direct role in retinal cell differentiation. Lastly, through investigations of mutants in other chromatin remodeling subunits, we provide genetic evidence for gene and tissue specificity of the Brahma chromatin remodeling complex.

Author List

Gregg RG, Willer GB, Fadool JM, Dowling JE, Link BA

Author

Brian A. Link PhD Professor in the Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Animals
Base Sequence
Cell Cycle Proteins
Chromatin
Cloning, Molecular
DNA Primers
Drosophila Proteins
Molecular Sequence Data
Mutation
Trans-Activators
Zebrafish