title: Neural cells secrete a unique repertoire of proteins.
abstract: Proteins that are released from cells consist of those in the extracellular matrix, as well as extracellular signaling and adhesion molecules. The majority of these extracellular proteins are, however, unknown. To determine their identity, we have used a proteomics approach to define proteins released from neurons, astrocytes and neural precursor cells. Using two-dimensional gels and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry technology, it is shown that while astrocytes release a relatively small number of proteins, neurons and neuronal precursor cells release a larger number of proteins with more functional diversity. Although there is overlap between the different cell types, the exact composition of the extracellular protein pool is unique for each cell population. The various subsets of extracellular neural proteins include those involved in cellular Redox regulation and chaperones. In addition, many proteolytic enzymes are found outside of the cell. These data show that the extracellular space within the nervous system has a more diverse protein composition than previously thought.
authors.affiliation: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037-1099, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schubert
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cumming
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Read
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.forename: Wolfgang H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins