Peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzyme gene expression in the developing mouse brain

Using the northern blot technique, the steady-state levels for the mRNAs en coding acyl-CoA oxidase, pristanoyl-CoA oxidase, trans2,3enoyl-CoA hydratas e/3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase multifunctional enzyme type 2, 3-ketoacyl -CoA thiolase and sterol-carrier-protein x during postnatal brain developme nt were measured. The developmental patterns obtained for each mRNA species studied were similar, with an increase in the mRNA level between birth and postnatal day 5, followed by a gradual decrease to 34-55% of the maximal v alue at postnatal day 30. These results are in agreement with a coordinatel y controlled expression of the genes involved in VLCFA beta-oxidation durin g brain development. Moreover, comparison of these developmental profiles w ith that obtained for ceramide galactosyltransferase showed that the set-up of the very-long-chain fatty acids beta-oxidation system is independent of the myelinating signal in the central nervous system. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.