Po (P-Zero)

Human Myelin Protein Zero (Po) is a 28400 dalton protein (258 amino acids) found in myelin of the PNS. Expressed in myelinating Schwann cells, Po serves as a homophilic adhesion molecule, allowing adjacent laminae of the myelin sheath to undergo compaction. Po is also a marker of a subpopulation of neural crest cells. Mutations of the MPZ gene product in humans is responsible for Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1B neuropathies (HMSN1B).

Image: (a tissue section through an adult sciatic nerve), Po (green staining) can be seen in the myelin and Schwann cell processes surrounding the nodes of Ranvier. In this photomicrograph, rabbit antibodies against LAMP (lysozome-associated membrane glycoprotein) (red staining) serves as the counterstain, and DAPI (blue staining) allows visualization of nuclei.

Po or P-Zero: Customer Publications and Customer Data

Image: Micrographs depicting SSeCKS colocalization with myelination markers (CNPase and Pzero). (A) SSeCKS (red) and CNPase (green) in the lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn. The labeling appears discrete with minimal colocalization. (B) SSeCKS (red) and Pzero (green) in the L4 dorsal root ganglia. A lack of co-localization is observed and Pzero can be seen localized to putative axonal elements (arrow). (C) SSeCKS (red) and Pzero (green) in the sciatic nerve. As in the dorsal root ganglia, a lack of co-localization is observed. Both SSeCKS and Pzero can be seen localized to axonal elements. (D) SSeCKS (red) and Pzero (green) in glabrous skin of the hind-paw, fibers displaying colocalization (yellow) can be observed (arrow). Irmen et al. Journal of Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury 2008 3:8   doi:10.1186/1749-7221-3-8.