Publications by authors named "Fedon-Giasin Kattan"

Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) accumulation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Determining and interfering with the mechanisms that control SNCA expression is one approach to limiting disease progression. Currently, most of our understanding of SNCA regulation is protein-based.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) is a ubiquitous protein whose expression is transiently increased in response to various stressors. Chronic expression has been linked to various pathologies, including neurodegeneration, inflammation, and cancer. DDIT4 is best recognized for repressing mTORC1, an essential protein complex activated by nutrients and hormones.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

TIA1 is a broadly expressed DNA/RNA binding protein that regulates multiple aspects of RNA metabolism. It is best known for its role in stress granule assembly during the cellular stress response. Three RNA recognition motifs mediate TIA1 functions along with a prion-like domain that supports multivalent protein-protein interactions that are yet poorly characterized.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The timing, dosage and location of gene expression are fundamental determinants of brain architectural complexity. In neurons, this is, primarily, achieved by specific sets of trans-acting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their associated factors that bind to specific cis elements throughout the RNA sequence to regulate splicing, polyadenylation, stability, transport and localized translation at both axons and dendrites. Not surprisingly, misregulation of RBP expression or disruption of its function due to mutations or sequestration into nuclear or cytoplasmic inclusions have been linked to the pathogenesis of several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as fragile-X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF