Skip to main content

GYPA

OverviewProducts

Function

Glycophorin A is the major intrinsic membrane protein of the erythrocyte. The N-terminal glycosylated segment, which lies outside the erythrocyte membrane, has MN blood group receptors. Appears to be important for the function of SLC4A1 and is required for high activity of SLC4A1. May be involved in translocation of SLC4A1 to the plasma membrane. Is a receptor for influenza virus. Is a receptor for Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte-binding antigen 175 (EBA-175); binding of EBA-175 is dependent on sialic acid residues of the O-linked glycans. Appears to be a receptor for Hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Post-translational modifications

The major O-linked glycan are NeuAc-alpha-(2-3)-Gal-beta-(1-3)-[NeuAc-alpha-(2-6)]-GalNAcOH (about 78 %) and NeuAc-alpha-(2-3)-Gal-beta-(1-3)-GalNAcOH (17 %). Minor O-glycans (5 %) include NeuAc-alpha-(2-3)-Gal-beta-(1-3)-[NeuAc-alpha-(2-6)]-GalNAcOH NeuAc-alpha-(2-8)-NeuAc-alpha-(2-3)-Gal-beta-(1-3)-GalNAcOH. About 1% of all O-linked glycans carry blood group A, B and H determinants. They derive from a type-2 precursor core structure, Gal-beta-(1,3)-GlcNAc-beta-1-R, and the antigens are synthesized by addition of fucose (H antigen-specific) and then N-acetylgalactosamine (A antigen-specific) or galactose (B antigen-specific). Specifically O-linked-glycans are NeuAc-alpha-(2-3)-Gal-beta-(1-3)-GalNAcOH-(6-1)-GlcNAc-beta-(4-1)-[Fuc-alpha-(1-2)]-Gal-beta-(3-1)-GalNAc-alpha (about 1%, B antigen-specific) and NeuAc-alpha-(2-3)-Gal-beta-(1-3)-GalNAcOH-(6-1)-GlcNAc-beta-(4-1)-[Fuc-alpha-(1-2)]-Gal-beta (1 %, O antigen-, A antigen- and B antigen-specific).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the glycophorin A family.

Cellular localization

  • Cell membrane
  • Single-pass type I membrane protein
  • Appears to be colocalized with SLC4A1.

Alternative names

  • Glycophorin-A
  • MN sialoglycoprotein
  • PAS-2
  • Sialoglycoprotein alpha
  • GPA
  • GYPA

Database links

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

16331Da