News Highlights:
- Recently, Scientists have fabricated monolayers of pure myelin basic protein (MBP) for studying diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
- MBP is a major protein component of the myelin sheath, which is a protective membrane that wraps around the axon of nerve cells and acts as a model protein in studying diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
Myelin basic protein:
- About:
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a protein believed to be important in the process of myelination of nerves in the nervous system.
- The myelin sheath is a multi-layered membrane unique to the nervous system that functions as an insulator to increase the velocity of axonal impulse conduction greatly.
- MBP maintains the correct structure of myelin, interacting with the lipids in the myelin membrane.
- MBP in multiple sclerosis (MS):
- MBP acts as a model protein in studying diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
- It insulates and protects nerve fibres in the central nervous system.
- “It comprises lipids and proteins, among which is myelin basic protein (MBP).”
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
- About:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
- It is an autoimmune disease. With these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
- In MS, the immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheath, a protective covering that surrounds the nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, causing a range of symptoms.
- Common symptoms:
- Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time
- Tingling
- Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
- Lack of coordination
- Unsteady gait or inability to walk.
- Complications of multiple sclerosis:
- Difficulty walking may result in needing a cane, walker or wheelchair.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Memory problems.
- Sexual difficulties.
What causes multiple sclerosis (MS)?
- Exposure to certain viruses or bacteria:
- Some research suggests that being exposed to certain infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus) can trigger MS later in life.
- Where you live:
- Your environment may play a role in your risk of developing MS.
- Certain parts of the world have significantly higher disease rates than others.
- Areas farther from the equator have higher rates of MS.
- That may be because these regions receive less intense sun.
- People who get less sun have lower levels of vitamin D, a risk factor for developing MS.
- How your immune system functions:
- Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease.
- Researchers are working to figure out what causes some people’s immune cells to attack healthy cells mistakenly.
- Gene mutations:
- Having a family member with MS does increase your risk of the disease.
- But it’s still unclear exactly how and which genes play a role in triggering multiple sclerosis.
Highlights from the Research:
- The behaviour of Protein under Variable pH Conditions:
- The researchers studied how the protein behaved at different acidity levels by looking at different parts of the layer formed on top of the water.
- They found that the stiffness of the layer was related to the specific patterns formed and the space they occupied on the water’s surface.
- Fabricated MBP Layer:
- The researchers have created a tightly packed layer of MBP using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique.
- The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique is a process used to create monolayers of molecules, including proteins, at air-water and air-solid interfaces.
- This layer can be used to study the different properties of MBP in 2D and how it interacts with other proteins.
- The researchers also found that the layer can act as a template for other proteins to crystallise on, which can help study their structures.
- Overall, this research helps us better understand the role of MBP in our bodies and how it interacts with other molecules.
Pic Courtesy: Pixabay
Content Source: Department of Science and Technology