On the ontogeny of aldolase isozymes and their interactions with cellular structure

In an endeavour to extend the available information on the biological significance of the interactions between aldolase and cellular ultrastructure, the extent of association has been studied in the tissues of the mouse during the major stages of development from embryo to adult. Analysis of the isozyme status in these compartments and the latency of the enzyme during tissue differentiation was also effected. In all tissues investigated, a considerable variation in the degree of association of aldolase with structure was evident during development. Binding was particularly extensive in the early embryonic stages, but regardless of the tissue or the stage of differentiation, binding preference was directed towards A-type activity over the B- and C-type of enzyme. Substantial latent activity of aldolase was evident only in brain in the postnatal stages of development, and not in the other tissues or early stages of ontogeny. The significance of these ontogenic phenomena have been discussed, along with the physiological variations in individual tissues during maturation.