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Detection of Disease-associated α-synuclein by Enhanced ELISA in the Brain of Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Human A53T Mutated α-synuclein
Published on: May 30, 2015
Expression and subcellular location of alpha-synuclein during mouse-embryonic development
Shan-chuan Zhong1, Xue Luo, Xing-shu Chen
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China.
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
|November 4, 2009
Summary
Alpha-synuclein (alpha-SYN) protein is dynamically expressed in developing mouse brains, appearing as early as embryonic day 9.5. Its expression patterns suggest roles in neuronal migration, synapse formation, and sensory system development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Alpha-synuclein (alpha-SYN) is a key component of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Previous studies noted alpha-SYN expression in developing mouse brains, but detailed developmental distribution was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the spatio-temporal expression pattern of alpha-SYN during mouse embryonic development (E9.5 to P0).
- To investigate the subcellular localization of alpha-SYN during neuronal development.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect alpha-SYN expression in mouse embryos.
- Western blot analysis confirmed the subcellular localization findings.
Main Results:
- Alpha-SYN was detected as early as E9.5 and showed dynamic expression in various brain regions like the neocortex and cerebellum.
- Expression patterns correlated with neuronal migration and synaptogenesis.
- Alpha-SYN was also found in developing sensory systems (nasal mucosa, optic cup, sensory ganglia).
- Early embryonic neurons showed nuclear localization of alpha-SYN, shifting to non-nuclear compartments later.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-SYN plays a significant role in CNS neuronal migration and synaptogenesis.
- The protein is involved in the establishment of sensory systems.
- The nuclear localization of alpha-SYN in early development suggests a crucial, yet uncharacterized, function.
