Hidden Regulators of the Brain: Pea3 Proteins

October 6, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations

Scientists from Gebze Technical University (GTU) make a significant breakthrough in unraveling the mysteries of nervous system development. A new review article authored by Prof. Işıl Kurnaz from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science at GTU, and Başak Kandemir, former Research Assistant at GTU's Institute of Biotechnology, sheds light on the critical role of a family of proteins called Pea3 in shaping the brain’s complex architecture.

One of the most fascinating processes in the brain is how billions of nerve cells establish precise connections to form a functional network. The molecular instructions guiding this process are given by proteins known as transcription factors, which determine which genes are activated, when, and to what extent, thus shaping the fate of each cell.

Published in the journal Molecular Neurobiology, the article reveals that Pea3 proteins, which have long been associated primarily with cancer and tumor formation, actually play vital roles in the development of a healthy nervous system. According to the study, Pea3 proteins help guide nerve cells to their correct locations and ensure the proper establishment of neural connections during embryonic development. In the adult brain, they maintain the functions of nerve cells and contribute to the formation of specialized neural circuits. These processes are regulated through finely-tuned signaling mechanisms, allowing the brain’s intricate structure to form and function correctly.

A Discovery Bridging Health and Disease

The research conducted by GTU scientists expands existing knowledge about Pea3 proteins, showing that they are not only related to disease mechanisms but are also closely linked to physiological processes fundamental to healthy life. This finding opens new doors for both neurological disease research and cancer studies. Understanding the role of Pea3 proteins in brain development could lead to future investigations into whether dysfunctions in these proteins are associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders.

The researchers hope that this review will not only offer a fresh perspective on fundamental neuroscience research but rather pave the way for the development of new strategies for treating neurological diseases.

📄Source:

Kandemir, B. & Kurnaz, I.A. (2025). The Role of Pea3 Transcription Factor Subfamily in the Nervous System. Molecular Neurobiology.

👉 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04432-w