Function and expression of the Bcl-x gene in the developing and adult nervous system.
We have shown that overexpression of Bcl-x can rescue sympathetic neurones from nerve growth factor deprivation in vitro. We have also examined the distribution and expression of Bcl-x mRNA in the developing and adult nervous system using Northern blot and in situ hybridization. Bcl-x mRNA is widespread during development of the nervous system. In embryonic spinal cord, mRNA levels increase at the beginning of the naturally occurring cell death period, suggesting that Bcl-x may be involved in the selection of neurones during this period. In the brain, Bcl-x expression increases after birth to reach a high level in the adult brain. Neurones from the cortex, olfactory bulb, and Purkinje cells are among those expressing the highest levels of Bcl-x mRNA. The widespread expression of Bcl-x during development and in adult brain suggests of a role for Bcl-x beyond simply protecting neurones from developmental cell death.
Glaxo Institute for Molecular Biology, Geneva, Switzerland.
H
H
Frankowski
M
M
Missotten
P A
PA
Fernandez
I
I
Martinou
P
P
Michel
R
R
Sadoul
J C
JC
Martinou
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology*; D008845:Microinjections; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D012333:RNA, Messenger