Neuronal Regeneration Related Protein (NREP)

The cDNAs contain several open reading frames, only 1 of which is conserved between mouse and human, and there are numerous termination codons in all 3 reading frames. The conserved open reading frame predicts a 68-amino acid protein. Northern blot analysis of rat tissues indicated highest expression in cerebellum, with lower expression in whole brain, liver, kidney, and heart. The 3.1 transcript was also enriched in mice within germinal zones at E17 and in superficial cortical layers and striatum at E20. In situ hybridization of adult rat brain indicated expression in the granular layer of the cerebellum, the hippocampus, and the olfactory bulb.It also downregulated enzymes involved in TGFB activation, resulting in a decrease in expression of collagen.