Abstract
We have cloned a rat cDNA for a novel brain-derived immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily molecule, BIG-1, by using PCR based on the amino acid sequences of the two closely related and well-known Ig superfamily members, rat TAGA and mouse F3. BIG-1 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein with six Ig-like domains and four fibronectin type III repeats, belonging to the TAG-11F3 subgroup. The expression of BIG-1 mRNA is developmentally regulated with the highest level in the adult brain. It is restricted to subsets of neurons such as Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, granule cells of the dentate gyrus, and neurons in the superficial layers of the cerebral cortex. Recombinant BIG-1 protein has a neurite outgrowth-promoting activity when used as a substrate for neurons in vitro. These results suggest that BIG-1 may be involved in the formation and maintenance of neuron type-specific networks in the brain.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
