Localization of mRNA for the apoptosis-linked gene ALG-2 in young and aged rat brain.
ALG-2 is a recently described pro-apoptosis gene that codes for a Ca2+-binding protein involved in T-cell receptor-, Fas- and glucocorticoid-induced cell death. We have used in situ hybridization histochemistry to examine the regional distribution of ALG-2 mRNA in the brain of 3- and 24-month old rats. There was widespread, predominantly neuronal distribution of ALG-2 mRNA throughout the brain. Areas expressing high levels included the granule and pyramidal cell layers of the hippocampus, choroid plexus, area postrema, and a number of hindbrain nuclei. ALG-2 mRNA levels in aged rats were not significantly different to young animals. The pattern of expression of ALG-2 mRNA in adult brain is similar to other apoptosis-related genes and suggests it may be involved in neuronal survival.
University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, Austin Campus, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
M K
MK
Venn
E L
EL
Conway
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D005796:Genes / Q000502:physiology*; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000473:pathology; D015347:RNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D015347:RNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger