Sp8 is a zinc finger transcription factor that mediates development of the anterior motor area of neocortex during a process called neocortical arealization. The biochemical mechanism(s) through which Sp8 regulates its target gene(s) remains unclear; however, the ability of this protein to recognize its specific gene targets is likely assisted by physical interactions with additional neocortical proteins by forming a protein complex that controls the transcription of specific genes that are responsible for the distinct patterning of the neocortical areas. We used a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify proteins that interact with the C-terminal domain of Sp8, and are expressed in the neocortex of developing embryonic mice. This screen revealed several distinct novel Sp8-interacting proteins, including ribosomal protein S20, rRNA promoter binding protein and Ubiquitin C. We are currently characterizing the interactions between Sp8 and these binding partners in order to elucidate their role(s) within the larger biological context.

Identification of neocortical proteins that interact with the transcription factor Sp8

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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