C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the pentaxin family. It is involved in several host defense related functions based on its ability to recognize foreign pathogens and damaged cells of the host and to initiate their elimination by interacting with humoral and cellular effector systems in the blood. Consequently, the level of this protein in plasma increases greatly during acute phase response to tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]

CRP: Displays several functions associated with host defense: it promotes agglutination, bacterial capsular swelling, phagocytosis and complement fixation through its calcium-dependent binding to phosphorylcholine. Can interact with DNA and histones and may scavenge nuclear material released from damaged circulating cells. Belongs to the pentaxin family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 1q23.2

Cellular Component: extracellular space; growth cone; extracellular region; filopodium

Molecular Function: choline binding; protein binding; protein homodimerization activity; low-density lipoprotein receptor binding; complement component C1q binding; virion binding; cholesterol binding; low-density lipoprotein binding; calcium ion binding

Biological Process: protein polymerization; wound healing; defense response to Gram-positive bacterium; response to ethanol; negative regulation of vasodilation; positive regulation of superoxide release; response to lead ion; response to hypoxia; acute-phase response; opsonization; inflammatory response; complement activation, classical pathway; aging