Figure 1.

N2a cells express both Tf and TfR mRNA but only the TfR protein. (Panel A) RT-PCR experiments performed on mRNA isolated from N2a cells in proliferating and differentiating conditions, in the presence or absence of exogenous aTf addition (100 µg/ml). The subventricular zone (SVZ) of 2-day-old mice, which is known to express both proteins, was used as a positive control. (Panel B) WB analysis of whole N2a lysates cultured in the same conditions as A and incubated with primary antibodies against Tf, TfR, and β-III-tubulin. Pure aTf was used as a positive control. (Panel C) Immunocytochemical assays of differentiated N2a cells labeled with antibodies against β-III-tubulin and TfR. Scale bars represent 15 µm for all images in Panel C. Note. aTf = human apoTransferrin; Ctl = control; Diff = differentiation; Prol = proliferation; SVZ = subventricular zone; Tf = transferrin; TfR = transferrin receptor.