What are the roles of transcription factors in the inhibiting post-mitotic cell cycle?

Project by Polygence alum Auburne

What are the roles of transcription factors in the inhibiting post-mitotic cell cycle?

Project's result

Research Paper

They started it from zero. Are you ready to level up with us?

Summary

Adult neurons are incapable of cellular proliferation due to their abnormal cell cycle. Upon maturation, post-mitotic neurons face terminal cell cycle arrest at the G1/S checkpoint. If cell cycle re-entry is attempted, neurons trigger pro-apoptotic pathways that kill the cell before any proliferative progress can be made (Figure 1). These processes inhibiting neural replication are highly influenced by cell cycle transcription factors, which face neuro-specific regulations to induce such unique cellular events. This paper examines how the regulations and differential functions of neural cell cycle transcription factors facilitate neurons’ inability to proliferate. Specifically, we review how BHLH, E2F, SMAD, FOXO1, c-MYC, p53, and Brn-3a regulate cell cycle arrest, and how E2F1, FOXO1, C-JUN, and p53 facilitate neural apoptosis upon attempted cell cycle re-entry.

Danielle

Danielle

Polygence mentor

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Subjects

Biology, Neuroscience

Expertise

immunology, neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative disorders, neuroscience, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, gene therapy

Auburne

Auburne

Student

Hello! My name is Auburne Mauger and I am interested in pursuing a project on the mechanics of the neurological cell cycle. This topic is of my interest because the research surrounding it is currently very abstract and I believe it has potential for exploration that could yield significant medical innovation! In the product of my research, I hope to draft an evidence-based paper, theory, or hypothesis that could hopefully gain interest and lead to further research on the topic.

Graduation Year

2025

Project review

“The bonding I experienced with my mentor was much better than I anticipated and I felt like we matched up very well.”

About my mentor

“Danielle was so helpful in guiding me through the process of writing a scientific research paper! She taught me how to alter my writing form to be more scientific than literary, showed me how to research effectively, and gave me helpful tips on how to make my writing coherent and cohesive!”