[Methodology of analysis of molecular-genetic basis of the brain physiology--functional neurogenomics]

Abstract

More than a third of all mammalian genes are related to the brain development and its functions. Methods of posttranscriptional gene silencing such as antisense-technology and RNA-interference are widely used for evaluation of gene functions in the brain and to determine if the gene or a protein that is encoded by this gene could be used as a potential therapeutic target for treatment. Application of these methods to functional neurogenomics research was illustrated by analysis of the brain alpha2A-adrenergic receptors functions in the development and manifestation of normal and pathologic forms of behavior. These methods helped to discover previously unknown "programming" function of neurogene during critical period of development in determining of forth-coming psychophysiological reactions of individual. Targeted alterations of gene expression by RNA-interference would be perspective for unraveling brain functions and for treatment of brain disorders.