Aldolase C

Aldolase A is generally considered to be a muscle enzyme. Northern analysis of cultured cells suggests that it is present in both neurons and glia. Aldolase C shares 81% amino acid identity with aldolase A and 70% identity with aldolase B.

Earlier studies using isozyme-specific antibodies report its location in gray matter astrocytes and cells of the pia mater. In situ hybridization of mouse central nervous system using isozyme-specific probes revealed that aldolase A and C are expressed in complementary cell types: aldolase A mRNA is found in neurons; aldolase C message is detected in astrocytes, some cells of the pia mater, and Purkinje cells. Aldolase C can in some situations be used as an astrocyte marker. However Purkinje cells of the cerebellum contain high levels of the enzyme, so the enzyme is not totally astrocyte specific.