Neuron marker

Many proteins are used as markers of neurons, each of which has different targets and functions in research. The cytosolic protein neuron-specific enolase, known as NSE, is expressed by mature neurons and cells of neuronal origin. The glycolytic enzyme that is specific to the brain is vital in intracellular energy metabolism. The presence of Neuronal nuclei (NeuN) has been found to correspond to the withdrawal of neuronal cells from the cell cycle. It is detectable in embryonic and adult neurons, but not in Purkinje cells, retinal photoreceptor cells, olfactory bulb mitral cells, or dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Microtubule-associated protein 2, known as MAP-2, is a neuron-specific cytoskeletal protein expressed in the nervous system of embryonic and adult tissues, and it is used as a marker of neuronal phenotype. Tubulin beta III is suspected to be involved in the differentiation of neuronal cell types. Known also as TUBB3 and TuJ1, it acts as a building block of microtubules, making them fundamental to the cytoskeleton and roles such as cell structure maintenance, meiosis, mitosis, and intracellular transport. Doublecortin, or DCX, is considered to be a marker of neurogenesis in the central nervous system. It is expressed by migrating neurons and can be observed at the beginning stages of neuronal development. C-fos is used as a marker of neuronal activation, it is expressed in specific brain regions following vagal sensory neuron stimulation.