Myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein: a family of abundant CNS myelin proteins in search of a function

Paul Montague; Andrew S McCallion; R Wayne Davies; Ian R Griffiths

doi:10.1159/000095110

Myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein: a family of abundant CNS myelin proteins in search of a function

Dev Neurosci. 2006;28(6):479-87. doi: 10.1159/000095110.

Authors

Paul Montague¹, Andrew S McCallion, R Wayne Davies, Ian R Griffiths

Affiliation

¹ Applied Neurobiology Group, Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Glasgow, UK. pm6e@clinmed.gla.ac.uk

PMID: 17028425
DOI: 10.1159/000095110

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.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Central Nervous System / metabolism*
Central Nervous System / ultrastructure
Disease Models, Animal
Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / genetics
Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / metabolism
Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / physiopathology
Humans
Mice
Mice, Knockout / genetics
Mice, Knockout / metabolism
Multiple Sclerosis / genetics
Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
Myelin Proteins
Myelin Sheath / metabolism*
Myelin Sheath / ultrastructure
Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / chemistry
Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / genetics*
Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / metabolism*
Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
Protein Isoforms / chemistry
Protein Isoforms / genetics
Protein Isoforms / metabolism
Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics

Substances

MOBP protein, human
MOG protein, human
Mobp protein, mouse
Mog protein, mouse
Myelin Proteins
Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein
Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
Protein Isoforms