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Localization of the normal cellular src protein to the growth cone of differentiating neurons in brain and retina
P F Maness1, C G Shores, M Ignelzi
1Department of Biochemistry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27515.
Abstract:
The protooncogene c-src is implicated in the development of the vertebrate nervous system. Its product pp60c-src is a tyrosine-specific protein kinase that is expressed in two phases of neural development. An activated form of the pp60c-src is highly enriched in the membrane of nerve growth cones and in the proximal neuritic shaft of differentiating neurons, as shown in brain and retina. A possible role for pp60c-src in neuronal process extension is suggested that may involve cell-substratum adhesion or motility.
Insights
The protooncogene c-src (cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase) plays a key role in vertebrate nervous system development. Activated pp60c-src protein kinase is concentrated in developing neurons, suggesting involvement in neurite outgrowth.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The protooncogene c-src is crucial for vertebrate nervous system development.
- Its product, pp60c-src, is a tyrosine-specific protein kinase involved in neural processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and localization of activated pp60c-src during neural development.
- To explore the potential involvement of pp60c-src in neuronal process extension.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of brain and retina tissue.
- Detection of activated pp60c-src in differentiating neurons.
Main Results:
- Activated pp60c-src is highly enriched in the membrane of nerve growth cones.
- High concentrations of activated pp60c-src are found in the proximal neuritic shaft of differentiating neurons.
- Expression occurs in two distinct phases during neural development.
Conclusions:
- pp60c-src is a key regulator in neural development.
- Its localization suggests a role in neuronal process extension, potentially through cell-substratum adhesion or motility.