Sandbox Reserved 474: Difference between revisions

<StructureSection load='1gnh' size='500' side='right' caption='Structure of Human C-Reactive Protein (PDB entry [[1gnh]])' scene=''>'''C-Reactive Protein''' (CRP) is considered to be a normal plasma protein such that its concentration rises as a cytokine-mediated response resulting from tissue injury, infection or inflammation [1].  It's unique structure puts it in the pentraxin family which includes serum amyloid P component (SAP) and it consists of five identical, non-covalently associated protomers that are arranged in a symmetrical fashion weighing ~ 23kDa [1].  Since it's structure is highly conserved, the calcium dependent binding site allows found within CRP allows for strong binding to phosphocholine (PC) along with other structures and this makes it physiologically relevant.  Some recent studies have made a prognostic comparison with increased CRP levels and coronary heart disease, thus reinforcing the idea that CRP also plays a significant role as a future therapeutic target [1].