The MHC class I chain-related (MIC) proteins are related to the Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins which are ubiquitously expressed and mediate the recognition of intracellular antigens by cytotoxic T cells. The MHC class I chain-related (MIC) proteins are recognized by NKG2D, a receptor on NK and T cells, and promote anti-tumor activity. MICA, a member of the MIC family, is widely expressed on many tumors, and it is the MICA/NKG2D interaction that is thought to stimula

Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) are homologs for the Drosophila protein fuzzy onion (Fzo). They are mitochondrial membrane proteins and are mediators of mitochondrial fusion. A GTPase domain is required for Mfn protein function but the molecular mechanisms of the GTPase-dependent reaction as well as the functional division of the two Mfn proteins are unknown. They are essential for embryonic development and may play a role in the pathobiology of obesity. Although the Mfn1 and Mfn2

Melan A, a product of the MART-1 gene, is a melanocyte differentiation marker recognized by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Other melanoma-associated markers recognized by autologous cytotoxic T cells are reported to include MAGE-1, MAGE-3, tyrosinase, gp100, gp75, BAGE-1 and GAGE-1. The analysis of these different molecules and their expression in individual melanomas may be of help in the study of their particular molecular roles in melanocyte differentiation and tumorigenesis.

Oligodendrocyte Marker $nThe classic group of Myelin basic protein (MBP) isoforms (isoforms 4 to 14) are with PLP the most abundant protein components of the myelin membrane in the CNS. They have a role in both its formation and stabilization. The smaller isoforms might have an important role in remyelination of denuded axons in multiple sclerosis. The non classic group of MBP isoforms (isoforms 1 to 3/Golli MBPs) may preferentially have a role in the early developing brain long before myelin

Oligodendrocyte Marker $nThe classic group of Myelin basic protein (MBP) isoforms (isoforms 4 to 14) are with PLP the most abundant protein components of the myelin membrane in the CNS. They have a role in both its formation and stabilization. The smaller isoforms might have an important role in remyelination of denuded axons in multiple sclerosis. The non classic group of MBP isoforms (isoforms 1 to 3/Golli MBPs) may preferentially have a role in the early developing brain long before myelin

Chitinases catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin, which is an abundant glycopolymer found in insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls. The glycoside hydrolase 18 family of chitinases includes eight human family members. This gene encodes a glycoprotein member of the glycosyl hydrolase 18 family. The protein lacks chitinase activity and is secreted by activated macrophages, chondrocytes, neutrophils and synovial cells. The protein is thought to play a role in the process of inflammation and tis