title: DeltaA mRNA and protein distribution in the zebrafish nervous system.
abstract: Physical interaction between the transmembrane proteins Delta and Notch allows only a subset of neural precursors to become neurons, as well as regulating other aspects of neural development. To examine the localization of Delta protein during neural development, we generated an antibody specific to zebrafish Delta A (Dla). Here, we describe for the first time the subcellular localization of Dla protein in distinct puncta at cell cortex and/or membrane, supporting the function of Dla in direct cell-cell communication. In situ RNA hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed dynamic, coordinated expression patterns of dla mRNA and Dla protein in the developing and adult zebrafish nervous system. Dla expression is mostly excluded from differentiated neurons and is maintained in putative precursor cells at least until larval stages. In the adult brain, dla mRNA and Dla protein are expressed in proliferative zones normally associated with stem cells.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tallafuss
authors.forename: Alissa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trepman
authors.forename: Judith S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Eisen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C064045:delta protein