G(O), A GUANINE-NUCLEOTIDE-BINDING PROTEIN, IS EXPRESSED DURING NEURITE EXTENSION IN THE EMBRYONIC MOUSE

The developmental pattern of expression of the G protein alpha(O) subu nit and GAP43 were compared by immunohistochemical staining of mouse e mbryos. Staining for alpha(O) and GAP43 was identical and detected thr oughout the developing nervous system, and the antigens first appeared in neurons at the beginning of neuronal differentiation. GAP43 and al pha(O) were not detected in regions containing only neuroblasts. These observations suggest that alpha(O) and GAP43 may not be required for the decision to pass from neuroblast to differentiated neuron, but may play a role in signal transduction during early neuronal development. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.