HES3

HES3 (Hairy and Enhancer of Split 3) is a gene that encodes a member of the HES family of transcription factors in humans. These transcription factors play a crucial role in the regulation of developmental processes, including the maintenance of the stem cell populations in the central nervous system and other tissues.

Function

HES3 is involved in the Notch signaling pathway, which is essential for proper cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic processes. The gene functions primarily as a transcriptional repressor, influencing the fate of neural stem cells by preventing their differentiation. This action is critical for the maintenance of a pool of undifferentiated stem cells in the brain.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression of HES3 have been implicated in various neurological disorders, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. Research has also explored the role of HES3 in cancer stem cells, proposing that it might contribute to the stemness properties of cancer cells, thereby affecting tumor growth and resistance to treatments.

Gene Expression

HES3 is expressed predominantly in the brain, particularly in the neural stem cells of the subventricular zone and the spinal cord. Its expression is regulated by signals from the Notch pathway, which are mediated by interactions with other proteins such as RBPJ (Recombination signal Binding Protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region) and other co-factors.

See Also

• Notch signaling pathway
• Transcription factor
• Stem cell