Expression of CTL1 in myelinating structures of Torpedo marmorata

We initially isolated CTLI from the electric lobe of Torpedo brain through functional complementation of a yeast mutant deficient in choline transport. Here, we present the first characterization of an antibody to the C-terminal of Torpedo CTLI. When full length torpedo CTLI was expressed in oocytes, a broad 60 kDa band appeared concomitant with the detection of immunoreactivity at the plasma membrane. In Torpedo, the native protein was prominent throughout the CNS and along the electric nerves. CTLI immunolabeling was particularly conspicuous in the myelin sheath surrounding the electric nerve and in central myelinated structures. The association of the presumptive choline transporter, CTLI, with myelin membranes suggests a role for this new protein in lipid production.