Distribution of a murine protein tyrosine phosphatase BL-β- galactosidase fusion protein suggests a role in neurite outgrowth

Abstract

We have generated a gene trap insertion into the protein tyrosine phosphatase-BL (PTP-BL) locus, which produces a fusion of the N-terminal half of PTP-BL with β-galactosidase. During development, β-galactosidase activity was seen in all epithelial cells: strong staining was observed in the stomach and kidney epithelium, the ependymal layer of the central nervous system, and the surface ectoderm. Particularly prominent β-galactosidase activity was seen in the peripheral nervous system, which correlated with neurite outgrowth. In epithelial cells, staining was seen in the apical portion of the cells. In nerves, β-galactosidase activity was associated with growth cones as well as with Schwann c..