Expression of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit and Ku80 in developing human brains: implication of DNA-repair in neurogenesis

We investigated expression of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subuni t (DNA-PKcs) and Ku80 in developing human brain, both of which have been su ggested to be involved in the repair of DNA double-strand break (DSB). Thei r expressions were well correlated, and the highest immunoreactivity was ob served in post-mitotic immature neurons in the cerebral cortex as well as i n progenitors in the periventricular germinal layer. The reactivity gradual ly decreased during development. Our results support the notion that DSB is generated during the ontogeny of the human central nervous system. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.