Abstract
The myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein (MOBP) family constitutes the third most abundant protein in CNS myelin. The mouse Mobp gene comprises eight exons. Mobp pre-mRNA processing gives rise to at least seven Mobp splice variants which are expressed solely in the oligodendrocyte. The predicted proteins all, with one exception, share a 68 residue amino terminus, encoded by exon 3. The carboxyl termini differ in length, giving rise to the diverse array of the protein isoforms. Like myelin basic protein, MOBP is present in the major dense line of CNS myelin suggesting a role in the compaction or stabilization of myelin. However, Mobp homozygous null mice display no overt clinical phenotype and no defect in the process of myelination. MOBP can induce experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in mice and has been proposed to have a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Despite 10 years of rigorous study, the normal physiological function of MOBP remains unknown.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 479-487 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Developmental Neuroscience |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2006 |
Keywords
- Ectopic expression
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis
- MOBP function
- MOBP protein isoforms
- MOBP-null strains
- Mobp splice variants
- Spatio-temporal gene expression
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Developmental Neuroscience