MicroRNA Genes
Human chromosome 21 contains five microRNA genes: miR-99a, let-7c, miR-125b-2, miR-155, and miR-802. MiR-155 and miR-802 regulate the expression of the methyl-CpG-binding protein (MeCP2). It has been suggested that the underexpression of MeCP2, secondary to trisomic overexpression of Human chromosome 21 derived miRNAs, may result in aberrant expression of the transcription factors of CREB1 and MEF2C . This in turn may lead to abnormal brain development through anomalous neuronal gene expression during the critical period of synaptic maturation by alterating neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, myelination, and synaptogenesis.
Read more about this topic: Research Of Down Syndrome-related Genes
Famous quotes containing the word genes:
“Whether you want it or not,
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you walk with political steps
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—Wislawa Szymborska (b. 1923)