Abstract
Synaptic vesicle-associated proteins are important regulators of neurotransmitter release at synaptic terminals in mature animals. Some synaptic vesicle-associated proteins are also expressed during development, although their contribution to development is not as clear. Here, we describe the cloning and developmental expression pattern of the Xenopus laevis synaptic vesicle-associated protein SVOP, a gene first identified as an immediate target for proneural basic helix-loop-helix factors. Alignment analysis revealed a high level of identity between the SVOP protein sequences from Xenopus and other vertebrates. In developing Xenopus embryos, SVOP expression is restricted to the nervous system and is first detectable at the mid-neurula stage. As development progresses SVOP becomes broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system. Our observation that SVOP is expressed in the developing Xenopus nervous system suggests that it may be involved in neuron formation, maturation, or neuronal function.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 802-807 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Developmental Dynamics |
Volume | 234 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Neural development
- Synaptic vesicle protein
- Xenopus laevis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental Biology