J Exp Zool A Comp Exp Biol 2003 Apr 01;2962:108-16. doi: 10.1002/jez.a.10247.

Xerl is a secreted protein required for establishing the neural plate/neural crest boundary in Xenopus embryo.

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We have previously isolated a CNS-specific gene, Xerl. The prospective amino acid sequence and functional analysis had shown that Xerl might act as the secretory protein for determining the neural plate/neural crest boundary. However, we had not yet characterized the Xerl protein. In the present study we examined the distribution and function of Xerl protein using anti-Xerl polyclonal antibody. Western blot analysis revealed that Xerl exists as 150 kDa protein in soluble fraction from the neurula stage. In comparison with gene expression of Xerl, Xerl protein showed a diffusive distribution from the neural tissue to the neighboring notochord and somite. Immunostaining of endogenous Xerl protein and subcellular localization of GFP-tagged Xerl demonstrated the extracellular secretion of Xerl protein. With functional blocking by antibody injection, the injected anti-Xerl antibody caused an inhibitory effect on the neural plate formation, whereas neural crest formation was promoted in the antibody-injected embryo. These results suggest that Xerl is a secreted protein required for establishing the neural plate/neural crest boundary in Xenopus embryo.

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Species referenced: Xenopus laevis
Genes referenced: adam13 crb2 sox2


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