Glycophorin C

Glycophorin C (also known as GPC) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GYPC gene. It is a member of the glycophorin family, which are integral membrane proteins that carry sugar chains and are found on the surface of red blood cells.

Function

Glycophorin C plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the red blood cell membrane. It is a high-affinity receptor for the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which causes the most severe form of malaria. The protein also serves as the attachment site for ankyrin, a protein that connects the membrane skeleton to the lipid bilayer.

Structure

The GYPC gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 2 (2q14.3). It spans about 6.5 kilobases and consists of 7 exons. The encoded protein is a type I transmembrane protein with a single transmembrane domain, a large extracellular domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the GYPC gene can lead to the hereditary elliptocytosis condition, a genetic disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells. In addition, the absence of Glycophorin C can result in the rare blood group known as Leach Phenotype.

See also

• Glycophorin
• Glycophorin A
• Glycophorin B
• Glycophorin E