Description
Product Characteristics:
C9 is a plasma protein synthesized in the liver and monocytes consisting of a single polypeptide chain. C9 is a part of the membrane attack complex (MAC), an important component of the immune system. The MAC forms upon complement system activation by invading pathogenic bacteria and consists of the four major complement proteins: C5b, C6, C7 and C8. These complement proteins bind to the outer surface of the plasma membrane of the invading cell. C9 binds to the membrane associated C5b-8 protein, which leads to the circular polymerization of 12-18 C9 Molecules. These polymerized C9 Molecules form a ring structure in the membrane. Molecules can then diffuse freely through this transmembrane channel, causing cell lysis and destruction of the invading bacterial cell.
Subcellular location: Secreted, Cell membrane
Synonyms: CO9_HUMAN, Complement component C9, Complementcomponent C9b.
Target Information: This gene encodes the final component of the complement system. It participates in the formation of the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC). The MAC assembles on bacterial membranes to form a pore, permitting disruption of bacterial membrane organization. Mutations in this gene cause component C9 deficiency. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2009]