Demonstration of basic human-brain-specific proteins by the BASO-DALT system

We used the BASODALT system (Cell 12: 1133--1142, 1977) of high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to resolve proteins in extracts of human brain and, for comparison, those in nine other human organs. At least 180 protein-staining spots are visible on a BASODALT electrophoretogram of water-soluble human brain proteins. By electrophoresing extracts of different human organs, separately and mixed with brain extract, we could detect 14 basic spots that appear to be present in brain in concentrations at least 20-fold those in any other organ. Measurement of these new basic brain-predominant proteins may provide useful diagnostic information in neurological disorders.