Scientists have fabricated monolayers of myelin basic protein (MBP), a major protein component of myelin sheath, to study the role of MBP in forming multi-lamellar myelin sheath structure and preserving the integrity, stability, and compactness of the sheath. MBP is an important protein that helps in compactification of the myelin sheath, which is a protective membrane around the axon of nerve cells.
Fabrication and Study
The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique was used to fabricate tailored monolayers of pure myelin basic protein at the air-water and air-solid interfaces. The research group led by Dr. Sarathi Kundu, Associate Professor, and Mr. Raktim J. Sarmah, a Senior Research Fellow, explained the mechanism of formation of MBP while tracking the stability and rigidity of the protein films by tuning the subphase pH conditions. The behaviour of the protein under variable pH conditions was investigated from different areas of the monolayer formed at the air-water interface. The rigidity of the monolayers was correlated with the specific domains formed and the area occupied by the domains on the water surface.
Applications
The closely packed MBP layer formed at the air-water and on solid surfaces fabricated by the LB method can be helpful in studying different chemical and physical properties in 2D in the vicinity of protein environment. The deposited LB films of MBP may also be considered as protein nanotemplates to crystallize proteins of interest.
Conclusion
This research work was published in the journal of Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects under the reputed Elsevier publishers. The research findings can lead to a better understanding of the role of MBP in myelin sheath formation and provide insights into the pathology of diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
