Expression of fasciclin I and II glycoproteins on subsets of axon pathways during neuronal development in the grasshopper.

The "labeled pathways" hypothesis predicts that axon fascicles in the embryonic neuropil are differentially labeled by surface recognition molecules used for growth cone guidance. To identify candidates for such recognition molecules, we generated monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize surface antigens expressed on subsets of axon fascicles in the grasshopper embryo. The 3B11 and 8C6 MAbs immunoprecipitate 70- and 95-kd membrane glycoproteins called fasciclin I and II, respectively, which are expressed on different subsets of axon fascicles during development. These two glycoproteins are expressed regionally on particular portions of embryonic axons in correlation with their patterns of fasciculation, dynamically during the period of axon outgrowth in a manner consistent with a role in growth cone guidance, and at other times and places during embryogenesis, suggesting multiple developmental roles.