ISSN:
1615-6102
Keywords:
Microtubule-associated proteins
;
Development
;
Rat
;
Quail
;
Xenopus laevis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary In the adult rat brain, MAP 2 is a high-molecular weight protein that is highly concentrated in dendrites. Immunoblots of homogenates of developing rat brain have indicated that a low-molecular weight form of MAP 2, MAP 2 c, is transiently expressed as the brain is undergoing morphogenesis. Using MAP 2-specific monoclonal antibodies, we have demonstrated that the compartmentalization of high-molecular weight MAP 2 and the developmental regulation of MAP 2 are conserved in mammalian, avian, and amphibian brain. We have also determined the distribution of MAP 2 c in developing neuronal tissue. MAP 2 c appears before high-molecular weight MAP 2 in developing neurons, and in contrast to the dendrite-specific high-molecular weight forms of MAP 2, MAP 2 c is present in axons and glia. We have also shown that MAP 2 c is present in the adult rat retina, where it is concentrated in regenerative photosensitive cells. The transient expression of MAP 2 c in the developing brain of three species as well as in adult photosensitive cells suggests a role for this protein in neurite growth and plasticity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01349359
