Anti-Myelin Basic Protein antibody (ab49208)

Function

The classic group of MBP isoforms (isoform 4-isoform 14) are with PLP the most abundant protein components of the myelin membrane in the CNS. They have a role in both its formation and stabilization. The smaller isoforms might have an important role in remyelination of denuded axons in multiple sclerosis. The non-classic group of MBP isoforms (isoform 1-isoform 3/Golli-MBPs) may preferentially have a role in the early developing brain long before myelination, maybe as components of transcriptional complexes, and may also be involved in signaling pathways in T-cells and neural cells. Differential splicing events combined with optional post-translational modifications give a wide spectrum of isomers, with each of them potentially having a specialized function. Induces T-cell proliferation.

Tissue specificity

MBP isoforms are found in both the central and the peripheral nervous system, whereas Golli-MBP isoforms are expressed in fetal thymus, spleen and spinal cord, as well as in cell lines derived from the immune system.

Involvement in disease

Note=The reduction in the surface charge of citrullinated and/or methylated MBP could result in a weakened attachment to the myelin membrane. This mechanism could be operative in demyelinating diseases such as chronical multiple sclerosis (MS), and fulminating MS (Marburg disease).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the myelin basic protein family.

Developmental stage

Expression begins abruptly in 14-16 week old fetuses. Even smaller isoforms seem to be produced during embryogenesis; some of these persisting in the adult. Isoform 4 expression is more evident at 16 weeks and its relative proportion declines thereafter.

Post-translational
modifications

Several charge isomers of MBP; C1 (the most cationic, least modified, and most abundant form), C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8-A and C8-B (the least cationic form); are produced as a result of optional PTM, such as phosphorylation, deamidation of glutamine or asparagine, arginine citrullination and methylation. C8-A and C8-B contain each two mass isoforms termed C8-A(H), C8-A(L), C8-B(H) and C8-B(L), (H) standing for higher and (L) for lower molecular weight. C3, C4 and C5 are phosphorylated. The ratio of methylated arginine residues decreases during aging, making the protein more cationic.
The N-terminal alanine is acetylated (isoform 3, isoform 4, isoform 5 and isoform 6).
Arg-241 was found to be 6% monomethylated and 60% symmetrically dimethylated.

Cellular localization

Myelin membrane. Cytoplasmic side of myelin.

Alternative names

Database links