Regional and cellular localisation of Parkin Co-Regulated Gene in developing and adult mouse brain

Abstract

Parkin Co-Regulated Gene (PACRG) is a novel gene that is oriented in a head-to-head array with parkin, and expression of the two genes is regulated by a shared bi-directional promoter. Mutations in parkin are the most common cause of early-onset autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease, however the function of PACRG and potential role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease are unclear. We generated polyclonal anti-PACRG antisera and performed immunohistochemical analysis of the regional and temporal distribution of Pacrg in the mouse brain. The protein was heterogeneously expressed in neurons throughout the mouse brain, with highest levels observed in the rhombencephalon and mesencephalon..