Brain Beta-Catenin Signalling During Stress and Depression

Neuro-signals

Chuin Hau Teo^1¹ 

[1] Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway (BRIMS), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Sunway, Selangor Malaysia^1

关键词: Wnt;    GSK3β;    Glucocorticoids;    Serotonin;    miRNA;   

DOI  :  10.1159/000487764

学科分类：神经科学

来源: S Karger AG

【 摘 要 】

Beta-catenin is a protein with dual functions in the cell, playing a role in both adhesion between cells as well as gene transcription via the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. In the canonical Wnt signalling pathway, beta-catenin again plays multiple roles. In the embryonic stage, the regulation of beta-catenin levels activates genes that govern cell proliferation and differentiation. In an adult organism, beta-catenin continues to regulate the cell cycle – as a result over-expression of beta-catenin may lead to cancer. In the brain, dysfunctions in Wnt signalling related to beta-catenin levels may also cause various pathological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Beta-catenin can be influenced by stressful conditions and increases in glucocorticoid levels. In addition, beta-catenin can be regulated by neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Fluctuations in beta-catenin in brain regions under duress have been associated with depressive-like behaviours. It is theorized that the change in behaviour can be attributed to the regulation of Dicer by beta-catenin. Dicer, a protein that produces micro-RNAs in the cell, is a target gene for beta-catenin. Amongst the micro-RNA that it produces are those involved in stress resilience. In this way, beta-catenin has taken its place in the well-studied biochemistry of stress and depression, and future research into this interesting protein may yet yield fruitful results in that field.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND