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Partial characterization of human complement factor H by protein and cDNA sequencing: homology with other complement
Bioscience Reports
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Factor H, a human complement system control protein, shares functional similarities with C4b-binding protein (C4bp) and complement receptor type 1 (CR1). Research reveals Factor H contains internal repeating units, similar to C4bp and other complement proteins.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Chemistry
Background:
- Factor H is a key regulator of the human complement system.
- Complement control proteins like C4b-binding protein (C4bp) and complement receptor type 1 (CR1) share functional similarities with Factor H.
- C4bp exhibits an unusual primary structure with eight homologous 60-amino acid units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural homology of Factor H with other complement control proteins.
- To determine if Factor H contains similar repeating units as observed in C4bp and other related proteins.
Main Methods:
- Amino acid sequencing of Factor H.
- Sequencing of a Factor H complementary DNA (cDNA) clone.
Main Results:
- Factor H possesses internal repeating units.
- These repeating units are homologous to those found in C4bp, complement proteins C2 and factor B, and beta 2I glycoprotein.
- Confirms functional similarities are underpinned by structural homologies.
Conclusions:
- Factor H shares structural characteristics with C4bp and other complement-related proteins.
- The internal repeating units are a conserved feature among these complement regulatory proteins.
- Understanding these homologies provides insights into complement system regulation.