Distribution maps of d-dopachrome tautomerase in the mouse brain

d-Dopachrome tautomerase is an enzyme related by amino acid sequence and catalytic activity to macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Both of these small molecules are pro-inflammatory cytokines mediating broad innate immune responses. Although it is well established that the gene product of d-dopachrome tautomerase is widely expressed in liver and kidney cells, no study has mapped the distribution pattern of this tautomeric enzyme in the mammalian nervous system. Here, we address this void by characterizing the cellular localization of d-dopachrome tautomerase in the adult mouse brain. Two well-characterized polyclonal antibodies were used for Western blotting and immunohistochemical localization of the endogenous tautomeric enzyme. Our results show that d-dopachrome tautomerase is present throughout the brain parenchyma with a large fraction of heterogeneous interneurons harboring a stable and robust expression of the enzyme. These data point to a potential involvement of d-dopachrome tautomerase activity in the mature mouse brain, and suggest some functional and evolutionary relationship between innate immunity and tautomerization of d-dopachrome in mammalian species.

► d-Dopachrome tautomerase is a cytokine-like enzyme.
► The regional and cellular localization of d-dopachrome tautomerase was assessed in the adult mouse brain.
► d-Dopachrome tautomerase was localized to interneurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
► d-Dopachrome tautomerase was also localized to the cerebellum.
► d-Dopachrome tautomerase may act as a neurotrophic agent in the mammalian nervous system.