Mouse Transcobalamin Resembles Human Transcobalamin and Haptocorrin
Author Information
Author(s): Hygum Katrine, Lildballe Dorte L., Greibe Eva H., Morkbak Anne L., Poulsen Steen S., Sorensen Boe S., Petersen Torben E., Nexo Ebba
Primary Institution: Aarhus University Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore the expression of the cobalamin-binding proteins transcobalamin and haptocorrin in mice.
Conclusion
Mouse transcobalamin is the only cobalamin-binding protein in mouse circulation and has features similar to both human transcobalamin and haptocorrin.
Supporting Evidence
- Mouse transcobalamin was purified from 300 submaxillary glands.
- Mouse transcobalamin shows high transcript levels in salivary and mammary glands.
- Mouse transcobalamin binds cobalamin and cobinamide, similar to human haptocorrin.
Takeaway
Mice have a protein called transcobalamin that helps transport vitamin B12, and it works a bit like two proteins found in humans.
Methodology
The study involved DNA/BLAST analysis, protein purification from mouse submaxillary glands, and various biochemical assays to characterize the cobalamin-binding proteins.
Limitations
The study does not explore the functional implications of the differences in cobalamin-binding proteins across species.
Participant Demographics
The study used various inbred mouse strains.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website