Brain colchicine-binding protein (tubulin) during postnatal development in the rat

A time-decay colchicine-binding assay was used under optimal conditions for measuring tubulin concentration in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum during postnatal development. In both brain areas soluble tubulin concentration (pmoles colchicine bound/mg tissue) declined by about 35% between 4 and 12 days of age after which the decrease was more gradual up to adulthood. Colchicine-binding protein concentration of particulate fractions, on the other hand, increased between 4 and 12 days of age followed by relatively little change. The concentration of tubulin in the soluble and particulate fractions of the cerebral cortex was 45% and 75% greater, respectively, than corresponding fractions of the cerebellum. The expression of tubulin on the basis of DNA, revealed marked regional differences which can be considered a reflection of differences in the relative extent of morphological differentiation in these areas during the postnatal period. Tubulin in both soluble and particulate fractions exhibited a marked increase in lability for colchicine binding from approximately 12 days of age. The half-life for loss of colchicine-binding activity was 2,5-fold greater in particulate compared to soluble fractions. An analysis of the characteristics of the particulate colchicine-binding reaction provides additional support for the hypothesis that it represents a functionally significant association of tubulin with the membranous components.