Myelin basic protein (MBP) is important in the process of myelination of nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is the insulating sheath which surrounds neurons. It is the primary protein component of the myelin sheath, comprising 30% of the protective outer layer of central nervous system tissues. The function of MBP is not completely defined.

Human MBP is an 18.5 kDa amino acid monomeric protein. The structure of MBP can be divided into 3 segments joined by phenylalanine doublets: A—residues 1-43; B—residues 44-89; and C—residues 90-170. Segments A and C, the N- and C-termini of the protein, respectively, are highly homologous. Myelin immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is generally due to the B-segment; A and C segments are usually present in low or undetectable levels.

Decreased myelination, and conditions resulting demyelination have been linked to progressive disorders characterized by tremors, seizures, loss of muscle function, and early death. Most research interest inMBP has been focused on its role in the assessment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury. It has been most commonly studied in multiple sclerosis (MS) due to the increase in MBP fragments detected in cerebrospinal fluid with the progression of sclerotic plaques. Demyelination, especially of the white matter of the brain, has been suggested as a potential cause of conditions such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. The study of the prevention and/or reversal of demyelination is an area of interest for pharmaceutical companies and neuroscience researchers.

 

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is important in the process of myelination of nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is the insulating sheath which surrounds neurons. It is the primary protein component of the myelin sheath, comprising 30% of the protective outer layer of central nervous system tissues. The function of MBP is not completely defined.

Human MBP is an 18.5 kDa amino acid monomeric protein. The structure of MBP can be divided into 3 segments joined by phenylalanine doublets: A—residues 1-43; B—residues 44-89; and C—residues 90-170. Segments A and C, the N- and C-termini of the protein, respectively, are highly homologous. Myelin immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is generally due to the B-segment; A and C segments are usually present in low or undetectable levels.

Decreased myelination, and conditions resulting demyelination have been linked to progressive disorders characterized by tremors, seizures, loss of muscle function, and early death. Most research interest inMBP has been focused on its role in the assessment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury. It has been most commonly studied in multiple sclerosis (MS) due to the increase in MBP fragments detected in cerebrospinal fluid with the progression of sclerotic plaques. Demyelination, especially of the white matter of the brain, has been suggested as a potential cause of conditions such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. The study of the prevention and/or reversal of demyelination is an area of interest for pharmaceutical companies and neuroscience researchers.