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Two calcium-binding proteins mark many chick sensory neurons
1Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, U.K.
Neuroscience
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers visualized neurons using a new protein, calretinin, and compared its distribution to calbindin. These calcium-binding proteins are often found in separate neurons but sometimes co-expressed in sensory ganglia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Calretinin is a newly identified neuronal calcium-binding protein.
- Calretinin is related to calbindin, another calcium-binding protein.
- Previous studies identified brain nuclei expressing genes for calretinin and calbindin using in situ hybridization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first immunohistochemical results for calretinin.
- To visualize individual neurons expressing calretinin.
- To compare the distribution of calretinin and calbindin in the chick brain.
Main Methods:
- Raising antisera against calretinin fusion proteins.
- Performing immunohistochemical surveys using these antisera.
- Examining chick sensory nuclei and ganglia.
Main Results:
- Calretinin and calbindin are prevalent in chick sensory nuclei and ganglia.
- In the central nervous system, they are typically found in separate neurons (secondary sensory and local circuit neurons).
- In spinal nerve, inner ear, and retinal ganglion cells, calretinin and calbindin are often co-expressed.
Conclusions:
- Calretinin and calbindin exhibit distinct but overlapping distributions in the chick nervous system.
- These calcium-binding proteins may play roles in modulating calcium-dependent neuronal processes.
- Their differential expression suggests diverse functional roles in neuronal signaling.