Recombinant Proteins
Product List
MBP Human
Myelin Basic Protein Human Recombinant
MBP is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is a crucial protein component of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). MBP is classified as an intrinsically disordered protein, meaning it lacks a fixed or ordered three-dimensional structure under physiological conditions .
Key Biological Properties: MBP is essential for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath. It represents about 30% of the total myelin protein . MBP is involved in the adhesion of the cytosolic surfaces of multilayered compact myelin .
Expression Patterns: MBP is primarily expressed in oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) . It is also expressed in various tissues, including the pons, external globus pallidus, and superior vestibular nucleus .
Tissue Distribution: MBP is predominantly found in the CNS, particularly in the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers .
Primary Biological Functions: MBP plays a critical role in myelination, the process of forming the myelin sheath. It adheres the cytoplasmic surfaces of oligodendrocyte membranes together, forming a major dense line observed in electron micrographs . MBP also participates in cytoskeletal assembly, membrane extension, and maintenance of calcium homeostasis .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: MBP has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). It is believed to act as an autoantigen, triggering immune responses that lead to CNS inflammation and demyelination .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: MBP interacts with various molecules, including actin, calmodulin, and SH3 domains . It participates in Fyn-mediated signaling pathways and sequesters phosphoinositides .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: MBP binds to membrane-associated proteins, including integral membrane protein 2B (Bri2), modulating its post-translational processing and membrane trafficking . It also interacts with polynucleotides when transported into the nucleus .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of MBP is regulated by multiple enhancers within the Golli/MBP locus, which drive reporter construct expression specifically in oligodendrocytes or Schwann cells .
Post-Translational Modifications: MBP undergoes various post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, methylation, and deimination . These modifications modulate MBP’s protein-membrane and protein-protein interactions .
Biomedical Research: MBP is used as a standard in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and western blotting . It is also studied for its role in the pathogenesis of MS and other neurological disorders .
Diagnostic Tools: Elevated levels of MBP in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are used as biomarkers for acute neurological disorders, such as exacerbating MS and traumatic brain injury .
Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting MBP and its post-translational modifications is being explored as a potential therapeutic approach for MS and other demyelinating diseases .
Development: MBP is essential for the proper development of the myelin sheath during CNS development . The 21.5-kDa isoform of MBP promotes oligodendrocyte proliferation during early development .
Aging and Disease: MBP continues to play a role in maintaining myelin integrity throughout life. Its dysfunction or abnormal expression is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as MS . MBP’s role in cytoskeletal turnover and membrane extension is crucial for myelin maintenance and repair .
