Gp41

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Gp41

Gp41 (pronounced as "Gee pee forty-one") is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in the HIV infection process.

Etymology

The term "Gp41" is derived from "glycoprotein 41," indicating its molecular weight of approximately 41 kilodaltons.

Function

Gp41 is a subunit of the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env), which is composed of three Gp41 molecules and three Gp120 molecules. The primary function of Gp41 is to facilitate the fusion of the virus with the host cell membrane, a critical step in the HIV infection process.

Structure

The Gp41 protein consists of a long hydrophobic transmembrane domain, a loop region, and an ectodomain. The ectodomain contains a fusion peptide, two heptad repeat regions (HR1 and HR2), and a membrane proximal external region (MPER).

Related Terms

  • HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS.
  • Gp120: The other subunit of the HIV envelope glycoprotein, which binds to the CD4 receptor on the host cell.
  • Envelope glycoprotein: A type of protein found on the surface of viruses that facilitates entry into host cells.
  • Fusion peptide: A part of the virus that helps it to fuse with the host cell membrane.
  • Heptad repeat: A sequence pattern in proteins that often forms a coiled coil structure.
  • Membrane proximal external region: A part of the HIV envelope glycoprotein that is a target for broadly neutralizing antibodies.

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