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Related Experiment Videos

Membrane cofactor protein.

M K Liszewski1, J P Atkinson

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute Laboratories, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
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Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) regulates complement activation on host tissues by cleaving C3b and C4b. This protein is widely expressed, protecting most cells and tissues from complement attack.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) is crucial for down-regulating complement system activation on host tissues.
  • MCP acts as a cofactor for factor I, facilitating the cleavage of C3b and C4b, key complement components.
  • Its widespread tissue distribution suggests a primary role in intrinsic host cell protection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structure and expression of Membrane cofactor protein (MCP).
  • To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying MCP's role in complement regulation.
  • To explore the functional significance of MCP isoforms and their variations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of protein expression using SDS-PAGE.
  • Investigation of protein isoforms generated by alternative splicing.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Characterization of structural domains including STP regions, transmembrane domains, and cytoplasmic tails.

    • Main Results:

    • MCP presents as two heterogeneous bands on SDS-PAGE (51–58 kDa and 59–68 kDa).
    • Four predominant MCP isoforms arise from alternative splicing of a single gene.
    • Isoforms differ in the STP region and cytoplasmic tails, with variations determined by alternative splicing.

    Conclusions:

    • MCP is an intrinsic regulator protecting host cells from complement-mediated damage.
    • Alternative splicing of the MCP gene generates structural diversity, impacting protein function.
    • The biological significance of MCP's structural variations is an active area of research.