Overexpression of neuronal ARNT2 is involved in neuronal apoptosis evoked by low K+

AIM: To observe the expression of neuronal Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 (ARNT2) involved in neuronal apoptosis evoked by low K+ and to investigate the relationship between ARNT2 and neuronal apoptosis. METHODS: After neuron apoptosis model was established, the changes of mRNA and protein of ARNT2 during apoptosis were investigated by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Immunofluorescence was analyzed by confocal microscopy to probe the subcellular localization of ARNT2. RESULTS: Induced by low K+, the expression of ARNT2 mRNA was up-regulated obviously at the point of 30 min, and peaks at the point of 1 h. This up-regulated expression lasted for 12 h, and the variation of ARNT2 protein was similar to that of mRNA. The results of immunofluorescence analyzed by confocal microscopy showed that the localization of ARNT2 protein was in the nucleus. CONCLUSION: ARNT2 locate in nuclei of normal cerebellar granule neurons of rat. During the process of apoptosis evoked by low K+, both mRNA and protein of ARNT2 are overexpressed.