Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Determination of Molecular Structures of HIV Envelope Glycoproteins using Cryo-Electron Tomography and Automated Sub-tomogram Averaging
Published on: December 1, 2011
The role of beta-2-glycoprotein I in health and disease associating structure with function: More than just APS
Thomas McDonnell1, Chris Wincup1, Ina Buchholz2
1Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Rayne Institute, University College London, UK.
Beta-2-Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) plays a number of essential roles throughout the body. β2GPI, C-reactive protein and thrombomodulin are the only three proteins that possess the dual capability to up and down regulate the complement and coagulation systems depending upon external stimulus. Clinically, β2GPI is the primary antigen in the autoimmune condition antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which is typically characterised by pregnancy morbidity and vascular thrombosis. This protein is also capable of adopting at least two distinct structural forms, but it has been argued that several other intermediate forms may exist. Thus, β2GPI is a unique protein with a key role in haemostasis, homeostasis and immunity. In this review, we examine the genetics, structure and function of β2GPI in the body and how these factors may influence its contribution to disease pathogenesis. We also consider the clinical implications of β2GPI in the diagnosis of APS and as a potentially novel therapeutic target.
Beta-2-Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) plays a number of essential roles throughout the body. β2GPI, C-reactive protein and thrombomodulin are the only three proteins that possess the dual capability to up and down regulate the complement and coagulation systems depending upon external stimulus. Clinically, β2GPI is the primary antigen in the autoimmune condition antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which is typically characterised by pregnancy morbidity and vascular thrombosis. This protein is also capable of adopting at least two distinct structural forms, but it has been argued that several other intermediate forms may exist. Thus, β2GPI is a unique protein with a key role in haemostasis, homeostasis and immunity. In this review, we examine the genetics, structure and function of β2GPI in the body and how these factors may influence its contribution to disease pathogenesis. We also consider the clinical implications of β2GPI in the diagnosis of APS and as a potentially novel therapeutic target.
Related Concept Videos
07:29Determination of Molecular Structures of HIV Envelope Glycoproteins using Cryo-Electron Tomography and Automated Sub-tomogram Averaging
08:58Characterization of Glycoproteins with the Immunoglobulin Fold by X-Ray Crystallography and Biophysical Techniques
01:56Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
05:05Direct Stereotaxic Brain Infusion of Amyloid-Beta Proteins for an Alzheimer's Disease Model
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
11:17Stability and Structure of Bat Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I with Heterologous β2-Microglobulin