The gene encodes an RNA binding protein expressed in all neurons after birth, qualifying elav as a pan-neural gene. The subcellular distribution of ELAV was investigated using ELAV-specific antibodies and scanning confocal laser microscopy. ELAV is predominantly localized within the nucleus where it concentrates within discrete domains described as dots and webs. To characterize these discrete domains an analysis of Drosophila coiled bodies was initiated. Coiled bodies are non-capsular nuclear bodies that appear to be composed of coiled fibrils.
Most coiled bodies disassemble prior to or during mitosis.
After cell division, the reassembly of coiled bodies occurs during G1 phase and is preceded by the reformation of nucleoli. Coilin is a 80-kD nuclear protein, identified with autoimmune serum, that is found as an integral component of coiled bodies. The polyclonal antibody R288 raised against human coilin was used to identify coiled bodies in cells of the Drosophila larval central nervous system. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry shows that, similar to vertebrate and plant systems, small nuclear ribonucleoproteins are enriched within these structures. Further analysis of ELAV reveals that subnuclear domains enriched with this molecule localize within and close to coiled bodies and close to subnuclear domains enriched with splicing factors.