Myelin Basic Protein (MBP)

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a protein believed to be important in the process of myelination of nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is the major constituent of the CNS myelin synthesized by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. MBP, PLP (proteolipid proteins) and MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) are potential primary encephalitogenic target antigens in multiple sclerosis.MBP was initially sequenced in 1979 after isolation from myelin membranes. Since that time, knockout mice deficient in MBP have been developed which showed decreased amounts of CNS myelination and a progressive disorder characterized by tremors, seizures, and early death. The gene for MBP is on chromosome 18; the protein localizes to the CNS and to various cells of the hematopoietic system.