Cloning and Localization of Exon 5-Containing Isoforms of the NMDAR1 Subunit in Human and Rat Brains |
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Authors: | Norman R Nash Craig J Heilman Howard D Rees Allan I Levey |
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Institution: | Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Abstract: Nine isoforms of the rat NMDAR1 receptor subunit have been previously identified, of which several have an alternatively spliced N-terminal insert believed to be important in proton sensitivity of the receptor. The cloning of the human homologues of NMDAR1-3b (hNMDA1-1) and NMDAR1-4b (hNMDA1-2), both bearing the insert, is reported here. A monoclonal antibody generated against the N-terminal region of these isoforms showed reactivity with at least two distinct human brain proteins of ∼115 kDa. This antibody was further characterized by using a series of truncated fusion proteins and splice variants of NMDAR1 demonstrating its specific recognition of an epitope within the 21-amino acid N-terminal insert, encoded by exon 5. Western blot and immunocytochemical studies were performed to examine the expression of the exon 5-containing isoforms of the NMDAR1 subunit in both rat and human brain. |
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Keywords: | NMDAR1 Exon 5 Monoclonal antibody |
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