title: Identification of a novel WD repeat-containing gene predominantly expressed in developing and regenerating neurons.
abstract: In the present study, we have identified a novel gene, NDRP (for neuronal differentiation-related protein), which is predominantly expressed in developing and regenerating neurons. The predicted NDRP comprises 1,019 amino acid residues and has 6 WD repeats in the N-terminal half and multiple potential nuclear localization signals (NLSs) at the C-terminal part. This molecule shows no significant structural similarity with any other molecules in available databases. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed the highest expression of NRDP in sensory neurons, for instance, olfactory epithelia and neural layer of retina during embryonic development, as well as in perinatal dorsal root ganglions. The expression of this gene in intact motor neurons such as in the hypoglossal nerve was undetectable but became obvious after axotomy. These results suggest that the product of this gene might be involved in the development of sensory neurons as well as the regeneration of motor neurons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kiyama
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nakashima
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Taga
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009831:Olfactory Mucosa / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012160:Retina / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C420744:Phip protein, mouse; D012333:RNA, Messenger