Immediate Early Gene Expression in Response to Cerebral Ischemia

Abstract

Background Cerebral ischemia is a potent modulator of gene expression. Immediate early genes undergo rapid induction after both global and focal cerebral ischemia. Many immediate early genes code for transcription factors. Additional genes, including those encoding for neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitter systems, are induced in a delayed fashion after cerebral ischemia. The functional significance of early and late gene regulation after cerebral ischemia requires futher investivation. These changes may be beneficial (friend) or detrimental (foe). Many of the genes are likely neuroprotective and important for recovery, but others may be involved in ischemic cell death mediated by apoptosis.