NeuN (Fox-3, Rbfox3, or Hexaribonucleotide Binding Protein-3), a protein which is a homologue to the protein product of a sex-determining gene in Caenorhabditis elegans, is a neuronal nuclear antigen that is commonly used as a biomarker for neurons.
NeuN, also known as RBFOX3, is a marker that is detected exclusively in post-mitotic neurons and is highly conserved among species. NeuN was recently eventually identified as an epitope of Rbfox3, which is a novel member of the Rbfox1 family of splicing factors.
In the present mini-review, data on NeuN accumulated so far are summarized and analyzed. Data on the structure and properties of the protein, its isoforms, intracellular localization, and hypothesized functions are reported.
NeuN is generally considered a marker of mature neuronal differentiation (e.g., cortical ganglion cells and neurocytes) and has the advantage of clearly staining tumor nuclei (and sometimes cytoplasm) rather than the neuropil.
Here, we identify NeuN as the Fox-3 gene product by providing the following evidence: 1) Mass spectrometry analysis of anti-NeuN immunoreactive protein yields the Fox-3 amino acid sequence.
Identification of Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN) as Fox-3, a New Member of the ...
Stains & CD markers NeuN Author: Nat Pernick, M.D. Last author update: 1 September 2013 Last staff update: 2 July 2021
The story unfolds in Nazi Germany, when SS Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler commanded a top secret mission in Wewelsburg under the Führer. It follows Neun, the ninth child to carry Hitler's DNA, and his protector, Teo Baker, as they travel across the country on the run from the Nazis.
More importantly, despite the widespread use of the anti-NeuN antibody, the natural identity of the NeuN protein remained elusive for 17 years. NeuN was re-cently eventually identified as an epitope of Rbfox3, which is a novel member of the Rbfox1 family of splicing factors.