NeuN
NeuN (RNA binding fox-1 homolog 3, also known as RBFOX3, FOX-3 and HRNBP3) is a member of the RNA-binding FOX protein family that regulates alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. It is the source of the neuronal nuclei antigen widely used as a marker for post-mitotic neurons. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NeuN research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NeuN is a regulator of pre-mRNA alternative splicing. One described target is the transcript of RBFOX2: NeuN regulates its alternative splicing to enhance production of mRNA species that are targeted for nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). In this way it contributes to control of the splicing machinery itself, as well as to the processing of neuronal transcripts. The protein is found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
The protein encoded by the RBFOX3 gene has an N-terminal proline-rich region, an RNA recognition motif (RRM) domain and a C-terminal alanine-rich region. Expression is highest in the central nervous system, where NeuN plays a prominent role in neural tissue development and in the regulation of adult brain function. Alternative splicing of the gene itself produces multiple transcript variants that encode distinct isoforms. The mouse ortholog is Rbfox3.
The gene is classed by HGNC within the RNA binding motif containing group and the RNA binding fox-1 homologs group, and earlier names referred to it as a fox-1 homolog of C. elegans. Its product was identified as the neuronal nuclei (NeuN) antigen, which has been widely used as a marker for post-mitotic neurons, so researchers searching for a NeuN antibody, NeuN protein or RBFOX3 gene information are often working in neuroscience. Mutations in the gene have been associated with numerous neurological disorders.
NeuN is widely used as a marker for post-mitotic neurons, making it a common reference point for identifying neuronal populations.
As an RNA-binding FOX family member, NeuN regulates alternative splicing of pre-mRNA, including that of RBFOX2.
NeuN enhances production of RBFOX2 mRNA species targeted for nonsense-mediated decay, linking splicing control to transcript surveillance.
Mutations in the gene have been associated with numerous neurological disorders, and expression is highest in the central nervous system.
NeuN is a pre-mRNA alternative splicing regulator. It regulates splicing of RBFOX2 to enhance production of mRNA species targeted for nonsense-mediated decay. Expression is highest in the central nervous system, where it contributes to neural tissue development and adult brain function.
NeuN is encoded by RBFOX3 and is also called RNA binding fox-1 homolog 3, FOX-3 and HRNBP3. The name NeuN comes from the neuronal nuclei antigen. Alternative splicing of the gene produces multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms.
Mutations in the gene have been associated with numerous neurological disorders. The mouse ortholog is Rbfox3. Researchers should check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before choosing a reagent for a given species.
Other RNA-binding FOX family members and splicing regulators relevant to neuronal research.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt A6NFN3; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.