Doublecortin (DCX) is a microtubule-associated protein that plays an important role in neuronal development, migration, and differentiation. It is predominantly expressed in immature neurons and neuronal precursor cells, where it contributes to the organization and stability of microtubules and thereby supports proper neuronal migration during development [1-3]. Moreover, it has been observed in the adult rostral migratory stream (RMS), which contains the neuronal precursors traveling to the olfactory bulb [4]. In addition to its developmental function, DCX is expressed transiently in immature neurons generated during adult neurogenesis. In experimental models, DCX-positive cells are found in neurogenic regions such as the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone, and DCX immunoreactivity decreases as newly generated neurons mature [5,6].
Mutations in the DCX gene cause severe abnormalities of cortical neuronal migration and have been linked to the double cortex syndrome [7].
DCX is widely used as a marker of immature neurons and adult neurogenesis. In the adult hippocampus, DCX-positive cells represent developing neurons at different stages of maturation.
For more information on protein expression pattern, please refer to the overview image in our SYSY Antibodies ATLAS.
