Identification of an embryonic isoform of myelin basic protein that is expressed widely in the mouse embryo.
We have identified a myelin basic protein (MBP) isoform in mouse embryos that includes an exon upstream of the usual transcription initiation site. This isoform, embryonic-neonatal MBP (E-MBP), is expressed at the protein level in the embryonic nervous system at a time when other MBP isoforms are not detected. In addition to the central and peripheral nervous systems of the embryo and neonate, the thymus, spleen, and testes also express E-MBP at the protein level. The expression of E-MBP in cell types distinct from the nervous system strongly suggests that this MBP isoform has a role apart from the formation of myelin.
Mathisen
P M
PM
Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125.
Pease
S
S
Garvey
J
J
Hood
L
L
Readhead
C
C
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001483:Base Sequence; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017931:DNA Primers; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D005091:Exons; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D005865:Gestational Age; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D008970:Molecular Weight; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*
D017931:DNA Primers; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D012333:RNA, Messenger