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NeuN, a neuronal specific nuclear protein in vertebrates.
R J Mullen1, C R Buck, A M Smith
1Department of Anatomy, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Researchers developed a new marker, NeuN (Neuronal Nuclei), to identify neurons in the vertebrate nervous system. This nuclear protein is expressed in most neurons, aiding in the study of neuronal development and phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are crucial tools for identifying specific cellular targets.
- Understanding neuronal-specific markers is essential for studying the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize a novel monoclonal antibody targeting a neuron-specific nuclear protein.
- To validate the utility of this marker for identifying neurons across different species and developmental stages.
Main Methods:
- Generation of monoclonal antibodies through immunization.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of nervous system tissues.
- Immunoblotting to determine protein characteristics.
Main Results:
- A monoclonal antibody, mAb A60, was generated, recognizing a neuron-specific nuclear protein named NeuN.
- NeuN is expressed in most neuronal cell types in adult mice, but not in cerebellar Purkinje cells, olfactory bulb mitral cells, or retinal photoreceptor cells.
- NeuN expression correlates with neuronal cell cycle withdrawal and terminal differentiation, and it is conserved across vertebrates.
Conclusions:
- NeuN is a reliable and broadly applicable marker for identifying neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- This marker aids in studying neuronal development, differentiation, and phenotype determination.
- NeuN's cross-reactivity across species enhances its value in comparative neuroscience research.