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Published on: February 17, 2016
In vivo phosphorylation of myelin basic proteins in developing mouse brain: evidence that phosphorylation is an early
Abstract:
Myelin basic proteins (MBPs) can be detected in 5-day mouse brain, even though there is very little myelin present. In addition to the 4 MBP components (with molecular weights of 14, 17, 18.5 and 21.5 kilodaltons), that are commonly observed, other larger MBP-related polypeptides are also present. We have investigated the possibility of MBP phosphorylation at early stages of development in order to establish the point at which this modification occurs in the assembly of myelin. In vivo isotope studies show that in the 5-day mouse brain 14-, 17-, 18.5- and 21.5- kilodalton MBPs are phosphorylated and that they may be present in an immature form of myelin. Larger MBP-related proteins with a molecular weight of 35 and 42 kilodaltons are also phosphorylated but appear to be present mostly in nonmyelin structures or compartments.
Insights
Early mouse brain development reveals phosphorylated myelin basic proteins (MBPs) are present in immature myelin. Larger MBP-related proteins are also phosphorylated but found in non-myelin structures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myelin basic proteins (MBPs) are crucial components of myelin.
- MBPs are detectable in the early stages of mouse brain development, preceding significant myelination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phosphorylation status of MBPs during early mouse brain development.
- To determine when MBP phosphorylation occurs during myelin assembly.
Main Methods:
- In vivo isotope labeling studies in 5-day-old mouse brains.
- Analysis of MBP components and related polypeptides using molecular weight characterization.
Main Results:
- Four common MBP components (14, 17, 18.5, 21.5 kDa) and larger MBP-related polypeptides (35, 42 kDa) were detected.
- The common MBP components were found to be phosphorylated and potentially associated with immature myelin.
- The larger MBP-related proteins were also phosphorylated but primarily located in non-myelin structures.
Conclusions:
- MBP phosphorylation occurs early in mouse brain development.
- Phosphorylated MBPs may be integral to the formation of immature myelin.
- Larger phosphorylated MBP-related proteins have distinct cellular localizations, suggesting roles beyond mature myelin structure.
