Description
Emmprin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, also known as Emmprin (BSG, Basigin) or cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the Emmprin gene. The human gene is mapped to 19p13.3. This protein is a determinant for the Ok blood group system. Basigin has been shown to be an essential receptor on red blood cells for the malaria parasite. It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, with a structure related to the putative primordial form of the family. As members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, it plays fundamental roles in intercellular recognition involved in various immunologic phenomena, differentiation, and development. BSG is thought also to play a role in intercellular recognition. It also regulates several distinct functions, such as spermatogenesis, expression of the monocarboxylate transporter and the responsiveness of lymphocytes. BSG is a type I integral membrane receptor that has many ligands, including the cyclophilin (CyP) proteins Cyp-A and CyP-B and certain integrins. It is expressed by many cell types, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells and leukocytes