Myelin Transcription Factor 1 Like Protein (MYT1L)

The deduced 1,182-amino acid protein has an N-terminal zinc finger, 2 tandem central zinc fingers, and 3 C-terminal zinc fingers. Northern blot analysis of developing rat brain detected Myt1l expression from embryonic day 15, with maximal expression at parturition and subsequent decline to low but detectable levels in adult brain. Northern blot analysis detected highest Myt1l expression in adult brain and spinal cord, but not in glial cells, suggesting that Myt1l expression in the central nervous system is restricted to neurons. In situ hybridization of postnatal day-3 cervical spinal cord revealed a pattern of Myt1l expression consistent with expression in neurons only. Immunohistochemical analysis of embryonic rat brain and cultured rat neurons detected strong Myt1l staining in developing neurons and in a subset of differentiating neurons.