Molecular characterization of NDRG4/Bdm1 protein isoforms that are differentially regulated during rat brain development

We previously reported the identification of a novel gene, Bdm1/NDRG4, that was expressed predominantly in the postnatal rat brain and might possibly play a role in this process. We describe here the characterization of a NDRC4 protein in a developing and maturing rat brain. Antibody raised against glutathione S-transferase (GST)-NDRG4 fusion protein recognized four protein species of 38, 39, 41. and 45 kDa on Western blotting of proteins from differently staged rat brains. The 38-kDa form was revealed after birth, and the amount of this species peaked on postnatal day 15. The 39-kDa form became detectable after postnatal week 6. The 41-kDa form appeared late in embryogenesis, increased by postnatal day 15. and disappeared at postnatal week 6. The 45-kDa form was abundant during the late embryonic period and slightly decreased after birth. Subcellular fractionation of cerebra indicated that the NDRG4 protein was distributed mainly in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Detergent solubility assays and protease susceptibility demonstrated that in the ER NDRG4 protein is membrane-associated and luminally oriented. The 45-kDa isoform was induced during NGF-mediated neuronal differentiation of PC 12 cells, but not by tunicamycin which causes ER stress. Differential expressions of NDRG4 protein isoforms may be a mechanism for modifying the NDRG4 function and for the formation of a functioning nervous system. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.