RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST)

Transcriptional repressor which binds neuron-restrictive silencer element (NRSE) and represses neuronal gene transcription in non-neuronal cells. Restricts the expression of neuronal genes by associating with two different corepressors, mSin3 and CoREST, which then recruit histone deacetylase to the promoters of REST-regulated genes.

Mediates repression by recruiting the BHC complex at RE1/NRSE sites which acts by deacetylating and demethylating specific sites on histones, thereby acting as a chromatin modifier. Transcriptional repression by REST-CDYL through the recruitment of histone methyltransferase EHMT2 might be significant in transformation suppression.