Identification of transcription factors activated by methylmercury in mouse brain

Abstract

Methylmercury is a harmful heavy metal that selectively disrupts the central nervous system. To clarify the transcription induction mechanism that operates in the brain in response to methylmercury exposure, we used a protein/DNA binding assay to identify transcription factors activated in the cerebella of mice administered methylmercury. We identified PAX4, PAX6, TCF3 and HMGA1 as transcription factors activated by methylmercury.