Myelin Basic Protein / MBP (MBP) Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

The protein encoded by the classic MBP gene is a major constituent of the myelin sheath of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells in the nervous system. However, MBP-related transcripts are also present in the bone marrow and the immune system. These mRNAs arise from the long MBP gene (otherwise called "Golli-MBP") that contains 3 additional exons located upstream of the classic MBP exons. Alternative splicing from the Golli and the MBP transcription start sites gives rise to 2 sets of MBP-related transcripts and gene products. The Golli mRNAs contain 3 exons unique to Golli-MBP, spliced in-frame to 1 or more MBP exons. They encode hybrid proteins that have N-terminal Golli aa sequence linked to MBP aa sequence. The second family of transcripts contain only MBP exons and produce the well characterized myelin basic proteins. This complex gene structure is conserved among species suggesting that the MBP transcription unit is an integral part of the Golli transcription unit and that this arrangement is important for the function and/or regulation of these genes. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

MBP: The classic group of MBP isoforms (isoform 4-isoform 14) are with PLP the most abundant protein components of the myelin membrane in the CNS. They have a role in both its formation and stabilization. The smaller isoforms might have an important role in remyelination of denuded axons in multiple sclerosis. The non- classic group of MBP isoforms (isoform 1-isoform 3/Golli-MBPs) may preferentially have a role in the early developing brain long before myelination, maybe as components of transcriptional complexes, and may also be involved in signaling pathways in T- cells and neural cells. Differential splicing events combined with optional post-translational modifications give a wide spectrum of isomers, with each of them potentially having a specialized function. Induces T-cell proliferation. Homodimer. Isoform 3 exists as a homodimer. MBP isoforms are found in both the central and the peripheral nervous system, whereas Golli-MBP isoforms are expressed in fetal thymus, spleen and spinal cord, as well as in cell lines derived from the immune system. Belongs to the myelin basic protein family. 6 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Cytoskeletal

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 18q23

Cellular Component: compact myelin; internode region of axon; cell soma; plasma membrane; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding; structural constituent of myelin sheath; protease binding

Biological Process: response to mercury ion; myelination; synaptic transmission; central nervous system development; substantia nigra development; response to toxin; negative regulation of axonogenesis; immune response; axon ensheathment; response to progesterone stimulus; aging