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Published on: January 2, 2013
The nature and abundance of human red cell surface glycoproteins
1International Blood Group Reference Laboratory, South Western Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, Bristol, U.K.
Abstract:
Available evidence suggests that there are at least 30 different proteins at the red cell surface. These proteins vary in abundance from a few hundred copies/cell to more than a million copies/cell. Recently, a new Glycophorin gene (Glycophorin E) has been identified and sequenced. In this paper evidence is presented that a monoclonal anti-M detects the product of the Glycophorin E gene in normal red cells.
Insights
Researchers identified a new red blood cell surface protein, Glycophorin E. A specific antibody, monoclonal anti-M, was found to detect this Glycophorin E product in typical red blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Red blood cell surfaces possess at least 30 distinct proteins.
- Protein abundance on red cells ranges widely, from hundreds to over a million copies per cell.
- Recent advancements include the identification and sequencing of a novel Glycophorin gene, Glycophorin E.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the newly identified Glycophorin E gene product on normal red blood cells.
- To determine if existing antibodies can detect the Glycophorin E protein.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monoclonal antibody techniques.
- Employed immunodetection methods to identify specific proteins on red blood cell surfaces.
Main Results:
- Presented evidence that a monoclonal anti-M antibody recognizes the Glycophorin E gene product.
- Confirmed the presence of Glycophorin E in normal red blood cells.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal anti-M serves as a reliable marker for detecting Glycophorin E.
- This finding contributes to the understanding of red blood cell surface protein expression and characterization.
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