The neuronal POU transcription factor Brn-2 interacts with Jab1, a gene involved in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases

Brain-2 (Brn-2), a Class III POU transcription factor, plays an important role in the development of the neocortex and the establishment of neural cell lineage. Here we performed a yeast two-hybrid screening to identify the Brn-2 binding proteins. We obtained Jun-activation-domain-binding protein 1 (Jab1) as a new Brn-2 binding protein. Direct interaction between Brn-2 and Jab1 was confirmed by using a surface plasmon resonance biosensor. Considering the involvement of Jab1 in the onset of the neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, the interaction between Brn-2 and Jab1 may provide some insights into the understanding of neuronal development and neurodegenerative diseases.