Modifications of tubulin heterogeneity during axonal growth in the embryonic nervous system

Tectal plates of mouse embryos were used to analyze the heterogeneity of tubulin with high resolution isoelectric focusing, at time of appearance of the young neurons and axons. In the cold-labile pool of tubulin, isotypes 6 and 7 appear, and isotypes 1, 3, 11, 13 increase their relative quantities. The increase of the prominence of the alpha-group with regard to the beta-group in the cold-stable pool of tubulin raises the question as to the exact role of tubulin in the cold stability. A role of other specific microtubule components also appears probable.