Expression of the Huntingtin-associated protein 1 gene in the developing and adult mouse

Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) interacts with the product of the Hu ntington's disease gene. To investigate the function of Hap1 in development and in the adult mouse, we have examined the expression of Hap1 by norther n analysis and in situ hybridization histochemistry. Hap1 expression is fir st detected in the embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) neuroepithelium. Expression per sists throughout development, predominantly in the brain and spinal cord, a nd to a lesser extent in enteric neurons and abdominal sympathetic ganglia. In the adult, Hap1 expression is detected not only in the brain but also i n the ovary, testis, and the intermediate lobe of the pituitary. (C) 2000 E lsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.