TRIM28 and the control of transposable elements in the brain

• TRIM28 is an epigenetic co-repressor protein that mediates transcriptional silencing. TRIM28 participates, together with the large family of Kruppel-associated box domain zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFP) transcription factors, in the repression of transposable elements (TE). Recent advances indicate that TRIM28-based repression of TEs occurs in the mammalian brain and may provide beneficial effects through the regulation of transcriptional networks. Here, we provide an overview of TRIM28-related functions, highlighting the role of controlling TEs in neural progenitor cells and discuss how this mechanism may have contributed to the evolution of the complex human brain. Finally, we outline future considerations for the field.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Epigenetics

KRAB-ZFPs

Neurodevelopment

Transposable elements

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