title: Development and plasticity-related changes in protein expression patterns in cat visual cortex: a fluorescent two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis approach.
abstract: During early postnatal brain development, changes in visual input can lead to specific alteration of function and connectivity in mammalian visual cortex. In cat, this so-called critical period exhibits maximal sensory-driven adaptations around postnatal day 30 (P30), and ceases toward adulthood. We examined the molecular framework that directs age- and experience-dependent plasticity in cat visual cortex, by comparing protein expression profiles at eye opening (postnatal day 10 (P10), when experience-dependent plasticity starts), the peak of the critical period (P30), and in adulthood. Using 2-D DIGE, we performed comparisons of P10-P30 and P30-adult brain protein samples. Sixty protein spots showed statistically significant intensity changes in at least one comparison. Fifty-one spots were identified using quadrupole-TOF MS/MS or LC-MS/MS, containing 37 different proteins. The progressive increase or decrease in protein expression levels could be correlated to age-dependent postnatal brain development. Four spots containing transferrin, 14-3-3 alpha/beta and cypin, showed maximal protein expression levels at P30, thereby showing a positive correlation to critical period plasticity. Western analysis indeed revealed a clear effect of visual deprivation on cypin expression in cat visual cortex. Our results therefore demonstrate the power of 2-D DIGE as a tool toward understanding the molecular basis of nervous system development and plasticity.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Gert.Vandenbergh@bio.kuleuven.be
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van den Bergh
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clerens
authors.forename: Bonnie L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Firestein
authors.forename: Kalina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burnat
authors.forename: Lutgarde
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Arckens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002415:Cats; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D005453:Fluorescence; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins