title: Cloning of complementary DNA for GAP-43, a neuronal growth-related protein.
abstract: GAP-43 is one of a small subset of cellular proteins selectively transported by a neuron to its terminals. Its enrichment in growth cones and its increased levels in developing or regenerating neurons suggest that it has an important role in neurite growth. A complementary DNA (cDNA) that encodes rat GAP-43 has been isolated to study its structural characteristics and regulation. The predicted molecular size is 24 kilodaltons, although its migration in SDS-polyacrylamide gels is anomalously retarded. Expression of GAP-43 is limited to the nervous system, where its levels are highest during periods of neurite outgrowth. Nerve growth factor or adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate induction of neurites from PC12 cells is accompanied by increased GAP-43 expression. GAP-43 RNA is easily detectable, although at diminished levels, in the adult rat nervous system. This regulation of GAP-43 is concordant with a role in growth-related processes of the neuron, processes that may continue in the mature animal.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D010582:Bacteriophage lambda / Q000235:genetics; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000032:analysis / Q000196:embryology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics; D007163:Immunosorbent Techniques; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D006133:Growth Substances; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA