LOCALIZATION OF MESSENGER-RNA FOR THE APOPTOSIS-LINKED GENE ALG-2 IN YOUNG AND AGED RAT-BRAIN

ALG-2 is a recently described pro-apoptosis gene that codes for a Ca2-binding protein involved in T-cell receptor-, Fas-and glucocorticoid- induced cell death. We have used in situ hybridization histochemistry to examine the regional distribution of ALG-2 mRNA in the brain of 3- and 24-month old rats. There was widespread, predominantly neuronal di stribution of ALG-2 mRNA throughout the brain. Areas expressing high l evels included the granule and pyramidal cell layers of the hippocampu s, choroid plexus, area postrema, and a number of hindbrain nuclei. AL G-2 mRNA levels in aged rats were not significantly different to young animals. The pattern of expression of ALG-2 mRNA in adult brain is si milar to other apoptosis-related genes and suggests it may be involved in neuronal survival. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.