EMBP Background Information
The eosinophil major basic protein (EMBP), also designated MBP, PRG2, proteoglycan 2, BMPG, or bone marrow natural killer cell activator, is a constituent of the crystalline core of the eosinophil granule. High levels of the pro-EMBP are present in placenta and pregnancy serum, where it exists as a complex with several other proteins including pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), angiotensinogen (AGT) and C3dg. EMBP may influence antiparasitic defense mechanisms as a cytotoxin and helminthotoxin, and may play a role in immune hypersensitivity reactions. EMBP stimulates an Src kinase-dependent activation of class I (A) phosphoinositide 3-kinase and, in turn, activation of protein kinase C Ω in neutrophils. EMBP transcription is under regulation by novel combinatorial interactions of GATA-1, PU.1, and C/EBPé isoforms.
