Gene expression converts the information coded by our genes into proteins. These determine the structure and function of an organ such as the brain. Itis therefore an essential process, linking molecular genetics with neurochemistry and behavioral neuroscience. This volume presents a didactic approach to the understanding of the basic processes of gene expression and their involvement in certain brain diseases, such asAlzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Generously illustrated, the contributions provide a valuable outline of this key aspect of molecular neurobiology and clinical neuroscience.

Introduction: Gene Expression in the Brain

References
Brain Gene Expression in Development and After Injury
Hybridization Complexity Studies of Messenger RNAs
Recombinant DNA Technology
Probes for mRNAs, Genes and Proteins
Cellular Localization of mRNAs and Proteins in Brain
Analysis of the Regulation and Function of Specific Genes
Cloning and Characterization of Known Brain-Specific Genes
Neurotransmitter Enzymes
Multigene Families Encoding Receptors
Glia-Specific Genes
Screening cDNA Libraries for Brain-Specific Genes
Identification of Other Developmentally Regulated Genes
Genes That Are Turned On During Development
Genes That Are Turned Off During Development
Subcellular Targeting of mRNAs and Proteins
Neurotrophic Factors, Brain Injury and Disease
References
Sorting and Intracellular Transport of RNA in Neurons: Regulation of Gene Expression at Synaptic Sites
Protein Synthesis in Neurons: A Distributed Network
Differential Distribution of RNA Species Within Neurons
Identifying Other mRNAs That Are Present in Dendrites
Biochemical Studies of the Proteins Synthesized Within Dendrites
Approaches to Isolate and Identify Dendritic mRNAs
How Could the Differential Distribution of RNA be Generated?
Local Regulation of Transcription in Multinucleated Cells
Domain-Specific Stabilization or Degradation
mRNA Sorting
mRNA Sorting Based on Signals in the RNA Itself
Sorting Based on Signals in the Nascent Polypeptide
RNA Sorting in Neurons
Dendritic Transport of RNA
Translational Repression of Transported mRNAs
Docking at Synaptic Sites
Dendritic RNAs That Do Not Encode Proteins
mRNA in Axons
Sorting of mRNA in Other Differentiated Cell Types
Why Are Some Proteins Synthesized Locally?
Conclusion
References
Chromatin Structure, Gene Expression, and Nuclear Aluminum in Alzheimer's Disease
Gene Expression in Eukaryotic Cells
Basic Structures of Eukaryotic Chromatin: DNA Compaction
Organization of the Genetic Material in the Neuronal Nucleus
RNA Generation in the Neuronal Nucleus
Activator and Repressor Interactions with the Upstream Regions of Genes
Competition Between Activator and Repressor Proteins at the Transcription Start Regions of Genes
Changes in Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression in AD
Selective Messenger RNA Reduction in AD
Probing of HNF-L Neuronal Chromatin Structure Employing MN and the Restriction Endonuclease AvaI
Occlusion of the HNF-L Locus in AD Neocortex
Repression of the Single-Copy HNF-L Gene - A Contributing Factor to AD Pathogenesis?
The Neuropathologic Changes in AD: Senile Plaques and Neurofibrillary Tangles
Aluminum in the Nuclear Compartment: Effects on Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression
Biologic Effects and Neurotoxicity
Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects
Interaction with DNA and Nuclear Processes
Aluminum and Nuclear Processes
Localization of Aluminum in Experimental Aluminum Encephalopathy, Neurodegenerative Disease, and AD
Aluminum Binding and Interactions Between H1 Linker Protein and DNA
Selective Genetic Vulnerability of Neurons in AD
Conclusions
References
Expression of the ?-Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene and the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease
Brain Gene Expression and the Role of Messenger RNA
The ?-Amyloid Precursor Protein and Alzheimer's Disease
Brain APP Messenger RNA in Alzheimer's Disease
Brain APP mRNA in Experimental Injury and Manipulation
Messenger RNA and the Metabolic Health of Neurons in Alzheimer's Disease
Conclusions
References.-Gene Expression in Down's Syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, and Schizophrenia
Down's Syndrome
Parkinson's Disease
Schizophrenia
References.