Cell type- and brain structure-specific patterns of distribution of minibrain kinase in human brain.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Wegiel J, Kuchna I, Nowicki K, Frackowiak J, Dowjat K, Silverman W, Reisberg B, DeLeon M, Wisniewski T, Adayev T, Chen-Hwang M, Hwang Y
Journal Brain Res
Volume 1010
Issue 1-2
Pagination 69-80
Date Published 06/04/2004
ISSN 0006-8993
Keywords Brain, Neurons, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
Abstract The minibrain kinase (Mnb/Dyrk1A) gene is localized in the Down syndrome (DS) critical region of chromosome 21. This gene encodes a proline-directed serine/threonine protein kinase (minibrain kinase-Mnb/Dyrk1A), which is required for the proliferation of distinct neuronal cell types during postembryonic neurogenesis. To study the distribution of Mnb/Dyrk1A during human brain development and aging, we raised Mnb/Dyrk1A-specific antibody (mAb 7F3) and examined 22 brains of normal subjects from 8 months to 90 years of age. We found that neurons were the only cells showing the presence of 7F3-positive product in both cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Nuclear localization supports the concept that Mnb/Dyrk1A may be involved in control of gene expression. Synaptic localization of Mnb/Dyrk1A also supports our previous studies suggesting that Mnb/Dyrk1A is a regulator of assembly of endocytic apparatus and appears to be involved in synaptic vesicle recycling and synaptic signal transmission. Accumulation of numerous 7F3-positive corpora amylacea in the memory and motor system subdivisions in subjects older than 33 years of age indicates that Mnb/Dyrk1A is colocalized with markers of astrocyte and neuron degeneration. Differences in the topography and the amount of Mnb/Dyrk1A in neurons, astrocytes, and ependymal and endothelial cells appear to reflect cell type- and brain structure-specific patterns in trafficking and utilization of Mnb/Dyrk1A.
DOI 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.03.008
PubMed ID 15126119
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