Molecular events associated with neural development

Analyses of the chick embryo using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis or immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) revealed several molecules which were highly concentrated in the nervous tissue. The properties and developmental changes of these substances were investigated. Three acidic proteins (molecular weights 95, 100 and 110 kDa, respectively) appeared characteristically during the embryonic development. One of them predominated alternatively at each developmental stage. They showed a high degree of homology in the peptide map and complete cross-reactivity with any specific antibodies. Therefore these proteins were considered to make a protein family and were collectively named drebrins. MAbs were produced against the membrane fraction of the neural tubes and somites of three-day chick embryos. Five MAbs stained the migrating neural crest cells and their progeny in histochemistry. In addition, the otic vesicle, including the differentiated labyrinth, and subtypes of human lymphocytes were recognized by these MAbs.