Localization of the normal cellular src protein to the growth cone of differentiating neurons in brain and retina

The protooncogene c-src is implicated in the development of the vertebrate nervous system. Its product pp60c-src is a tyrosine-specific protein kinase that is expressed in two phases of neural development. An activated form of the pp60c-src is highly enriched in the membrane of nerve growth cones and in the proximal neuritic shaft of differentiating neurons, as shown in brain and retina. A possible role for pp60c-src in neuronal process extension is suggested that may involve cell-substratum adhesion or motility.