Proteome analysis of red deer antlers.
Deer antlers are the only mammalian organs capable of repeated regeneration. Although antlers are known to develop from pedicles, which arise from antlerogenic cells of cranial periosteum, their developmental process is not fully elucidated. For example, while endocrine and environmental factors influence the antler development, it is still unclear which signaling pathways are involved in the transduction of such stimuli. To study the developmental process of antlers and identify proteins functioning in their growth, we have established proteome maps of red deer (Cervus elaphus) antlers. With two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, we analyzed more than 800 protein spots and identified approximately 130 individual proteins derived from the growing tip of antlers. The overall profile of the antler proteome was dissimilar to those of other types of tissue. Also comparison of proteomes derived from proximal bony tissue and the growing tip of antlers revealed substantial differences. Moreover several cell growth or signaling-related proteins are expressed exclusively in the growing tip, suggesting that these proteins function in the growth and differentiation of antlers. Currently, using the antler proteome maps, we are actively searching for the regulatory factor(s) that may control the antler development.
Park
Hee Jin
HJ
Systemic Proteomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Taejon, Korea.
Lee
Do Hee
DH
Park
Sung Goo
SG
Lee
Sang Chul
SC
Cho
Sayeon
S
Kim
Ha Kun
HK
Kim
Jae Jong
JJ
Bae
Hyunsu
H
Park
Byoung Chul
BC
D000818:Animals; D000999:Antlers / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D003670:Deer / Q000378:metabolism*; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D020543:Proteome / Q000378:metabolism*
D020543:Proteome