Pan-neuronal mRNA expression of the secretory polypeptide 7B2.

The polypeptide 7B2 exhibits a widespread distribution in the CNS and in the endocrine tissues. By in situ hybridization in the mouse tissues, we detected 7B2-mRNA transcripts in most, if not all, neurons of the brain and spinal cord, and in the cranial and spinal ganglia. 7B2-mRNA was undetectable in supportive glial cells, ependymal cells and endothelial cells. In embryonic tissues, 7B2-mRNA expression was observed at midgestation, starting on day 11. Both differentiated neurons and neuronal precursors have been shown to express 7B2 transcript. We conclude that 7B2-mRNA is a good molecular marker of developing and definitive neurons.