RE1-silencing transcription factor

RE1-Silencing Transcription factor (REST), also known as Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Factor (NRSF), is a is_associated_with::protein which in humans is encoded by the REST is_associated_with::gene, and acts as a transcriptional repressor. REST is expressly involved in the repression of neural genes in non-neuronal cells. Many genetic disorders have been tied to alterations in the REST expression pattern, including colon and small-cell lung carcinomas found with truncated versions of REST. In addition to these cancers, defects in REST have also been attributed a role in Huntington Disease, neuroblastomas, and the effects of epileptic seizures and ischaemia.

Function
This gene encodes a transcriptional is_associated_with::repressor which represses neuronal genes in non-neuronal tissues. It is a member of the Kruppel-type is_associated_with::zinc finger is_associated_with::transcription factor family. It represses transcription by binding a DNA sequence element called the neuron-restrictive silencer element (NRSE, also known as RE1). The protein is also found in undifferentiated neuronal is_associated_with::progenitor cells, and it is thought that this repressor may act as a master negative regulator of is_associated_with::neurogenesis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described; however, their full length nature has not been determined. REST is found to be down-regulated in elderly people with is_associated_with::Alzheimer's disease.

REST contains 8 Cys2His2 zinc fingers and mediates gene repression by recruiting several is_associated_with::chromatin-modifying enzymes.

Interesting to note that REST strongly correlate with increased longevity. REST levels are highest in the brains of people who lived up to be 90 - 100s and remained cognitively intact. Levels stayed high specifically in the brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's, suggesting that they might be protected from dementia. It is assumed that REST represses genes that promote cell death and Alzheimer's disease pathology, and induces the expression of stress response genes. Moreover, REST potently protects neurons from oxidative stress and amyloid β-protein toxicity.

Interactions
RE1-silencing transcription factor has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::RCOR1.