Common Properties Shared by Growth-associated Proteins of the Regenerating Optic Nerve of Goldfish (C. Auratus)

Regenerating neurons synthesize new, rapidly transported, growth-associated proteins which are thought to mediate the regeneration process. We have studied these proteins in the regenerating optic nerves of goldfish by using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis coupled with gel fluorography and computer analysis. The results indicate that goldfish retinal ganglion cells produce 3 polypeptides which qualify as growth-associated proteins. Properties shared by each of these 3 polypeptides suggest that they may originate from a common precursor.