Neurons in the monoaminergic nuclei of the rat and human central nervous system express FA1/dlk.
The gene DLK1 encodes a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) superfamily, delta-like (dlk). When exposed in vivo to the action of an unknown protease, this type 1 membrane protein generates a soluble peptide referred to as Fetal antigen 1 (FA1). By acting in juxtacrine as well as paracrine/autocrine manners, both forms have been shown to be active in the differentiation/proliferation process of various cell types. In adults, FA1/dlk has been demonstrated mainly within (neuro) endocrine tissues. In this study we investigated the presence of FA1/dlk in other parts of the developing and adult rat and human CNS. Using immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization we found that in both species FA1/dlk was expressed in neurons of the Edinger-Westphal's nucleus as well as in substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area (VTA), locus coeruleus and in certain parts of the raphe nuclei.
Jensen
C H
CH
Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Winslowparken 21, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark.
Meyer
M
M
Schroder
H D
HD
Kliem
A
A
Zimmer
J
J
Teisner
B
B
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D011903:Raphe Nuclei / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D017557:Ventral Tegmental Area / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology
D000906:Antibodies; D006023:Glycoproteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C064045:delta protein