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Myelin-associated glycoprotein in demyelinating disorders
1Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
Critical Reviews in Neurobiology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is crucial in multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies. Its early loss in MS plaques and immunogenic properties link it to these neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is an integral membrane glycoprotein involved in cell interactions.
- MAG belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and plays a role in myelin-forming cells and axolemma.
- Early loss of MAG in multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques suggests a key role in disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the role of MAG in multiple sclerosis.
- To highlight MAG's involvement in peripheral neuropathies associated with IgM paraproteinemia.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the biochemical and immunological properties of MAG.
- Analysis of MAG's susceptibility to proteases and its immunogenic carbohydrate determinant.
Main Results:
- Human MAG is selectively lost early in MS plaque development.
- MAG is highly susceptible to cleavage by Ca2+-activated neutral protease.
- MAG possesses an immunogenic carbohydrate determinant recognized by human IgM paraproteins.
Conclusions:
- MAG's selective loss and susceptibility to proteolysis implicate it in MS pathogenesis.
- MAG's immunogenic determinant links it to peripheral neuropathies in IgM paraproteinemia patients.