| Modification Notes |
The calcium-responsive transactivator (CREST, SS18L1) protein localizes to nuclear bodies and is required for the normal development of neuronal dendritic trees. CREST contains a multifunctional domain (MFD), which mediates transcription transactivation, nuclear body targeting, and dimerization. CREST interacts with adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) to regulate neuronal morphogenesis. CREST exhibits ubiquitous expression, with lowest levels observed in the spleen. Mice with a targeted disruption of the Ss18l1 gene (Crest gene) are viable despite defects in cortical and hippocampal dendrite development. Cortical neurons from Crest-mutant mice are compromised in calcium-dependent dendritic growth, which leads to the conclusion that calcium activation of CREST-mediated transcription helps regulate neuronal morphogenesis. |