Human Neuron-Specific Enolase: Genetic and Developmental Studies

Abstract

Neuron-specific enolase is readily detected as early as 54 days gestational age in brain extracts from human fetuses and undergoes a rapid increase with developmental maturation of the nervous system. No genetic variants of this enzyme were found among 14 fetal and 120 postnatal specimens, consistent with previous findings of highly restricted variation among glycolytic enzymes.

Key Words:

• neuron
• specific enolase
• development
• genetic variation
• human fetal enzymes
• glycolysis