Doublecortin (DBCN, DCX, Doublin, Lissencephalin-X, LISX, Lis-X, Neuronal Migration Protein Doublecortin)

Doublecortin was originally discovered since defects in the gene encoding it are causative of X-linked lissencephaly, a rare group of brain malformations resulting in a smooth cerebral cortex caused by aberrant neuronal migration during development (1,2). The name Doublecortin comes from the unusual layering of the cortex in this form of lissencephaly, which appears to have a second deep cortical layer of neurons. This layer consists of neurons which did not migrate from the subventricular zone to the normal cortical layer. Patients with this defect suffer from seizures and mental retardation. The HGNC name for Doublecortin is DCX, and it is also known as Doublin, Lissencephalin-X, DBCN and Lis-X. Four proteins encoded by the DCX produce bands of about 35kD and 45kD on Western blots (see the Uniprot page here). The 45kD form is known as Lis-XA while the smaller forms are generated by alternate transcription, are all missing the first 81 amino acids of Lis-XA, and are referred to as Lis-XB, Lis-XC, Lis-XD. There are minor amino acid sequence differences between these three smaller isoforms. All of these protein contain two so-called Doublecortin domains, each about 90 amino acids long, which are believed to function in binding to microtubules, a C-terminal serine and proline rich region which may become phosphorylated in vivo. The doublecortin protein appears to function as a microtubule and actin binding protein and may interact with Lis-1, a member of the b-transducin or WD protein family, a protein mutations of which are also associated with lissencephaly. DCX is expressed very early in neuronal development, as neuroblasts become post-mitotic, but is lost as neurons mature. Developing neurons start to lose DCX expression about the time that they begin to express NeuN, a neuronal specific protein characteristic of more mature neurons, now known to correspond to the RNA binding protein Fox3. Antibodies to DCX are used to identify stem cells in sections and in tissue culture, and to see if neurogenesis is taking place. The HGNC name for this protein is DCX.\n\nApplications:\nSuitable for use in Immunofluorescence and Western Blot. Other applications not tested.\n\nRecommended Dilution:\nImmunofluorescence: 1:1000\nWestern Blot: 1:10,000\nOptimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.\n\nStorage and Stability:\nMay be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Catalog Number

031355

Size

100ul

Applications

IF, WB

Hosts

Mouse

Reactivities

Hum, Mouse, Rat, Bov, Prc

Form

Supplied as a liquid in PBS, 10mM sodium azide.

P Type

Mab

Purity

Purified by affinity chromatography.

Isotype

IgG2a,k

References

1. des Portes V, Pinard JM, Billuart P, Vinet MC, Koulakoff A, CarriГ© A, Gelot A, Dupuis E, Motte J, Berwald-Netter Y, Catala M, Kahn A, Beldjord C and Chelly J. A novel CNS gene required for neuronal migration and involved in X-linked subcortical laminar heterotopia and lissencephaly syndrome. Cell 92:51-61 (1998).\n\n2. Gleeson JG, Allen KM, Fox JW, Lamperti ED, Berkovic S, Scheffer I, Cooper EC, Dobyns WB, Minnerath SR, Ross ME and Walsh CA. Doublecortin, a brain-specific gene mutated in human X-linked lissencephaly and double cortex syndrome, encodes a putative signaling protein. Cell 92:63-72 1998.\n\n3. Jin J, Suzuki H, Hirai S, Mikoshiba K and Ohshima T. JNK phosphorylates Ser332 of doublecortin and regulates its function in neurite extension and neuronal migration. Dev Neurobiol. 70:929-42 2010.

Additional Info

Recognizes Fox3/NeuN from human, bovine, porcine, mouse, rat and other mammals. Since Fox3/NeuN is highly conserved, it is likely that the antibody is effective on other species also.