Myelin proteins structure

Myelin in situ has a water content of about 40%. The dry mass of both CNS and PNS myelin is characterized by a high proportion of lipid (70-85%) and, consequently, a low proportion of protein (15-30%). By comparison, most biological membranes have a higher ratio of proteins to lipids. The currently accepted view of membrane structure is that of a lipid bilayer with integral membrane proteins embedded in the bilayer and other extrinsic proteins attached to one surface or the other by weaker linkages. Proteins and lipids are asymmetrically distributed in this bilayer, with only partial asymmetry of the lipids. The proposed molecular architecture of the layered membranes of compact myelin fits such a concept (Fig. 4-11). Models of compact myelin are based on data from electron microscopy, immunostaining, X-ray diffraction, surface probes studies, structural abnormalities in mutant mice, correlations between structure and composition in various species, and predictions of protein structure from sequencing information [4]. 

P2 protein. PNS myelin contains a positively charged protein different from MBP that is referred to as P2 (Mr — 15,000). It is unrelated in sequence to MBP and is a member of a family of cytoplasmic fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) that are present in a variety of cell types [25]. The amount of P2 protein is variable among species, accounting for about 15% of total protein in bovine PNS myelin, 5% in humans and less than 1% in rodents. P2 protein is generally considered a PNS myelin protein but it is expressed in small amounts in CNS myelin sheaths of some species. P2 is an antigen for experimental allergic neuritis, the PNS counterpart of EAE (see Chs 36 and 38). P2 appears to be present in the major dense line of myelin sheaths, where it may play a structural role similar to MBP... 

Myelin basic protein. In PNS myelin, MBP varies from approximately 5% to 18% of total protein, in contrast to the CNS, where it is close to 30% [ 1 ]. In rodents, the same four 21,18.5,17 and 14kDa MBPs found in the CNS are present in the PNS. In adult rodents, the 14kDa MBP is the most prominent component and is termed Pr in the PNS nomenclature. The 18.5 kDa component is present and is often referred to as the P, protein in the nomenclature of peripheral myelin proteins. Another species-specific variation in human PNS is that the major basic protein is not the 18.5 kDa isoform that is most prominent in the CNS but rather a form of about 17 kDa. It appears that MBP does not play as critical a role in myelin structure in the PNS as it does in the CNS. For example, the shiverer mutant mouse, which expresses no MBP (Table 4-2), has a greatly reduced amount of CNS myelin, with no compaction of the major dense line. By contrast, shiverer PNS has essentially normal myelin,both in amount and structure, despite the absence of MBP. This CNS/PNS difference in the role of MBP is probably because the cytoplasmic domain of P0 has an important role in stabilizing the major dense line of PNS myelin. Animals doubly deficient for P0 and MBP have a more severe defect in compaction of the PNS major dense line than P0-null mice, which indicates that both proteins contribute to compaction of the cytoplasmic surfaces in PNS myelin [23],... 

Erne, B., Sansano, S., Frank, M. et al. Rafts in adult peripheral nerve myelin contain major structural myelin proteins and myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) and CD59 as specific markers. /. Neurochem. 82, 550-562, 2002. 

Neuropathies can result from mutations that alter the structure or level of expression of PNS myelin proteins (e.g. overexpression of PMP22 in Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome (CMT) type 1A), the metabolism of myelin lipids (e.g. metachromatic leukodystrophy), or the capacity of PNS neurons to support their axons in patients with CMT caused by mutations of KIF1B [4] or NF-L [5, 6]. Both acquired and inherited amyloid neuropathies can result from the deposition of poorly soluble proteins, for example cryoglobulins or mutant transthyretins, in and around endoneurial bloodvessels [7-9]. 

On the other hand, basic myelin protein and monomeric melittin are proteins which, by many criteria, are devoid of ordered structure in aqueous solutions. This results in freedom of rotation of tryptophan residues which are exposed to the solvent. Such a situation may exist for peptides without regular structure and for denatured proteins. 

Since iron is involved in many central nervous system processes that could affect infant behaviour and development, iron deficiency has adverse effects on brain development, both pre- and post-natal. In various epidemiological studies, it is reported that children with iron-deficiency anaemia have poorer performances on tests of some specific cognitive function. Animal experiments have identified some of the defects of reduced iron availability on brain function, which include post-translational changes (which result in a failure of iron incorporation into protein structures which are subsequently degraded), vulnerability of the developing hippocampus (with loss of the neuronal metabolic marker cytochrome c oxidase), and altered dendritic stmcture. Iron deficiency will also have a direct effect on myelin, including a decrease in myelin lipids and proteins, as well as neurotransmitter systems, since iron... 

Dulac, C., Tropak, M. B., Cameron-Curry, P, Rossier, J., Marshak, D. R., Roder, J., and Le Douarin, N. M. (1992) Molecular characterization of the Schwann cell myelin protein, SMP structural similarities within the immunoglobulin super-family. Neuron 8, 323-334. 

Fig. 5. Glycoproteins. Known reactions in the synthesis of submaxillary gland glycoproteins. The specificity of AZ-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase responsible for synthesis of I was studied using basic myelin protein [an unusual substrate which is not normally glycosylated partial structure Val(94) Thr-Pro-Arg-Thr-Pro-Pro-Pro(IOI)-]. Glyeosylation is specific for Thr 98 (Thr 95 is not glycosylated) a proline-rich environment appears to be necessary around the glycosylated hydroxyamino acid residue.

Cowan, S W, Newcomer, M. E., and Jones, T A (1993) Crystallographic studies on a family of cellular lipophilic transport proteins the refinement of P2 myelin protein and the structure determination and refinement of cellular retinol-bmding protein in complex with Y-trans retinol J. Mol. Biol. 230,1225-1246... 

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