MBP Human

MBP is a highly conserved protein found in the myelin sheath of oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS . It is also present in the bone marrow and the immune system . The protein is known for its ability to bind to lipids and other proteins, contributing to the structural integrity of the myelin sheath.

MBP exists in multiple isoforms due to differential splicing events and post-translational modifications . These isoforms may have specialized functions, adding to the complexity of MBP’s role in the nervous system. The recombinant form of MBP, often tagged with His-tags for purification purposes, is used in various research applications .

MBP has been extensively studied in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease characterized by CNS inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss . MBP is considered a potential autoantigen in MS, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath . The protein’s involvement in MS highlights its importance in both normal neural function and disease states.

Recombinant human MBP is commonly used as a substrate for kinases and methyltransferases in biochemical research . Its availability in a purified form allows scientists to study its interactions and functions in detail. The recombinant protein is typically expressed in E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography .

The study of MBP dates back to the early 1960s when it was first isolated and sequenced from bovine spinal cord and human myelin . Since then, it has become one of the most widely studied myelin proteins, particularly in relation to MS .