A review on role and function of REST (restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor) in neurodegenerative diseases

Introduction: REST (restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor) is a transcription repressor which plays a key role in the expression of neuronal genes. REST not only acts as a master transcriptional regulator for genes involved in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation, but also contributes to normal aging and synaptic plasticity of the adult brain.Description: REST upregulation induces neuroprotection in the normal aging process by inhibiting genes involved in oxidative stress and ?-amyloid toxicity. Dysregulation of this repressor or its related epigenetic remodeling may cause neurodegeneration associated with neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, recent findings on the status and function of REST in related neurodegenerative diseases and disorders are reviewed.Discussion and Conclusion: The findings suggest that REST dysfunction at a particular time may cause neurodegenerative disorders and diseases including brain ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. According to the findings, activation of REST in response to ischemia is likely to lead to ineffective epigenetic regulation. REST accumulations are found in the nucleus of some neurons in Huntington’s disease. Also absence of REST, inability to import inside the nucleus and its presence inside the autophagosome are associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, REST may be used as a biomarker for the aforementioned diseases.