Myelin basic protein
Myelin Basic Protein
Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) (pronunciation: /ˈmaɪəlɪn ˈbeɪsɪk ˈproʊtiːn/) is a protein believed to be essential in the process of myelination of nerves in the nervous system. The term "myelin" comes from the Greek "myelos", meaning "marrow", due to its color resemblance to bone marrow, while "protein" is derived from the Greek "proteios", meaning "primary" or "in the lead".
Function
MBP is a major constituent of the myelin sheath of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells in the nervous system. Its function is to maintain the correct structure of myelin, interacting with the lipid layers of the myelin sheath, thus playing a critical role in nerve signal transmission.
Clinical Significance
Alterations in the structure and function of MBP have been associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition characterized by the loss of myelin in the nervous system. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of nerve signal transmission.
Related Terms
- Myelin: The insulating layer that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord.
- Oligodendrocytes: A type of neuroglial cell in the central nervous system.
- Schwann cells: Any of the cells in the peripheral nervous system that produce the myelin sheath around neuronal axons.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease that damages the nerves in the spinal cord and brain, as well as the optic nerves.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myelin basic protein
- Wikipedia's article - Myelin basic protein
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