Nuclear factor 1 X-type is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...
that in humans is encoded by the ''NFIX''
gene
In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...
.
NFI-X3, a
splice variant
Alternative splicing, or alternative RNA splicing, or differential splicing, is an alternative splicing process during gene expression that allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins. In this process, particular exons of a gene may be in ...
of NFIX, regulates
Glial fibrillary acidic protein
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a protein that is encoded by the ''GFAP'' gene in humans. It is a type III intermediate filament (IF) protein that is expressed by numerous cell types of the central nervous system (CNS), including astroc ...
and
YKL-40 in
astrocyte
Astrocytes (from Ancient Greek , , "star" + , , "cavity", "cell"), also known collectively as astroglia, are characteristic star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. They perform many functions, including biochemical control of endo ...
s.
Interactions
Nfix has been shown to
interact
Advocates for Informed Choice, dba interACT or interACT Advocates for Intersex Youth, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using innovative strategies to advocate for the legal and human rights of children with intersex traits. The organizati ...
with
SKI protein
The SKI protein is a nuclear proto-oncogene that is associated with tumors at high cellular concentrations. SKI has been shown to interfere with normal cellular functioning by both directly impeding expression of certain genes inside the nucleus ...
and it is also known to interact with
AP-1.
NFI-X3 has been shown to interact with
STAT3
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor which in humans is encoded by the ''STAT3'' gene. It is a member of the STAT protein family.
Function
STAT3 is a member of the STAT protein family. In respons ...
.
In embryonic cells, Nfix has been shown to regulate
intermediate progenitor cell (IPC) generation by promoting the transcription of the protein inscuteable (INSC). INSC regulates spindle orientation to facilitate the division of
radial glia cells into IPC's. Nfix is thought to be necessary for the commitment of glia progeny into the intermediate progenitors. Mutations may cause overproduction of radial glia, impaired and improperly timed IPC development, and underproduction of neurons.
In adult development, the timing of neural differentiation is regulated by Nfix to promote ongoing growth of the
hippocampus
The hippocampus (via Latin from Greek , 'seahorse') is a major component of the brain of humans and other vertebrates. Humans and other mammals have two hippocampi, one in each side of the brain. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system, a ...
and proper memory function. Nfix may suppress
oligodendrocyte
Oligodendrocytes (), or oligodendroglia, are a type of neuroglia whose main functions are to provide support and insulation to axons in the central nervous system of jawed vertebrates, equivalent to the function performed by Schwann cells in the ...
expression so cells remain committed to neuron development within the
dentate gyrus
The dentate gyrus (DG) is part of the hippocampal formation in the temporal lobe of the brain, which also includes the hippocampus and the subiculum. The dentate gyrus is part of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit and is thought to contribute ...
. Intermediate progenitor cells can divide to produce
neuroblasts
In vertebrates, a neuroblast or primitive nerve cell is a postmitotic cell that does not divide further, and which will develop into a neuron after a migration phase. In invertebrates such as ''Drosophila,'' neuroblasts are neural progenitor cells ...
. Neurons produced by Nfix null IPC's do not mature, usually die, and can contribute to cognitive impairments.
Nfix interacts with
myostatin
Myostatin (also known as growth differentiation factor 8, abbreviated GDF8) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''MSTN'' gene. Myostatin is a myokine that is produced and released by myocytes and acts on muscle cells to inhibit muscle ...
and regulates temporal progression of muscle regeneration through modulation of myostatin expression. Nfix also inhibits the slow-twitch muscle phenotype.
References
Further reading
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External links
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Transcription factors
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