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Immunochemical and biochemical study of a human Fcmu-like fragment (mu-chain disease)
Abstract:
An abnormal protein, from a petient with mu-chain disease has been studied: protein BUR. It is devoid of the F (ab'')2 mu fragment; molecular weight determinations and immunological data identify the protein as a F(c) 5 mu fragment. Similarly, carbohydrate determinations and proteolysis experiments relate it to a Fcmu fragment. Nevertheless, the protein, which tontains J-chain, lacks the entire covalently bonded structure of the F (c)5mu fragment. C-terminal analysis shows a tyrosine residue identical to the C-terminal amino acid of mu-chains. Sequence of the N-terminal region determined for 15 residues shows identity with sequence 338-352 and sequence 333-347 of two entire mu-chains previously studied. The relation of BUR to other heavy chain disease proteins is discussed.
Insights
Researchers studied protein BUR from a patient with mu-chain disease. This abnormal protein is a fragment of the Fc region of immunoglobulin mu-chains, lacking specific structural components.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Protein Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mu-chain disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the production of abnormal immunoglobulin heavy chains.
- Understanding the structure of abnormal proteins in heavy chain diseases is crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the structure and composition of protein BUR, an abnormal protein found in a patient with mu-chain disease.
- To determine the relationship of protein BUR to known immunoglobulin fragments and heavy chain disease proteins.
Main Methods:
- Molecular weight determination
- Immunological assays
- Carbohydrate analysis
- Proteolysis experiments
- C-terminal amino acid sequencing
- N-terminal sequence analysis
Main Results:
- Protein BUR was identified as a Fc fragment of immunoglobulin mu-chains.
- It lacks the F(ab")2 mu fragment and the complete covalently bonded structure of the Fc5mu fragment.
- Protein BUR contains J-chain and shares C-terminal tyrosine and N-terminal sequence identity with intact mu-chains.
Conclusions:
- Protein BUR represents a unique structural variant of a mu-chain fragment in heavy chain disease.
- Its specific structural characteristics provide insights into the processing and abnormalities of mu-chains in this condition.