Identification of a differentiation-related gene in the rat central nervous system using differential display method

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During development of the central nervous system (CNS), a large number of genes are expressed and interact with each other. Although the functions of certain genes involved in CNS development have been described, the process of development and differentiation in the CNS is not clearly understood. We have used the differential display method to identify genes which are differentially expressed during CNS development. Using this approach, we have identified a novel rat gene that codes for a protein of 42 kDa (RNB6) and is expressed in the developing embryonic rat brain. The level of expression of RNB6 peaks on postnatal day 1 in brain tissue and gradually decrease thereafter. The predicted amino acid sequence of RNB6 shares a 45% homology with the human actin-associated protein, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and RNB6 contains a GlyProProProProPro (GP_5) motif, that is highly conserved feature of VASP family members. VASP functions through its GP_5 motifs as a ligand for profilin, a signal transducer for actin filament assembly and therefore is thought to control cellular motility through profilin-mediated microfilament assembly. The shared homology and common GP_5 motif of RNB6 and VASP suggest that RNB6 may take part in cellular motility during development of the CNS.