Differential expression of 14-3-3 isoforms in human alcoholic brain.

ABSTRACT: Neuropathological damage as a result of chronic alcohol abuse often results in the impairment of cognitive function. The damage is particularly marked in the frontal cortex. The 14-3-3 protein family consists of 7 proteins, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?, encoded by 7 distinct genes. They are highly conserved molecular chaperones with roles in the regulation of metabolism, signal transduction, cell-cycle control, protein trafficking, and apoptosis. They may also play an important role in neurodegeneration in chronic alcoholism.We used real-time PCR to measure the expression of 14-3-3 mRNA transcripts in both the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and motor cortex of human brains obtained at autopsy.We found significantly lower 14-3-3?, ?, and ? expression in both cortical areas of alcoholics, but no difference in 14-3-3? expression, and higher expression of 14-3-3? in both areas. Levels of 14-3-3? and ? transcripts were significantly lower only in alcoholic motor cortex.Altered 14-3-3 expression could contribute to synaptic dysfunction and altered neurotransmission in chronic alcohol misuse by human subjects.

SUBMITTER: MacKay RK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3097257 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature