title: Eosinophil cationic protein: overview of biological and genetic features.
abstract: The eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a small polypeptide that originates from activated eosinophil granulocytes. A wide range of stimuli has been shown to induce the secretion of ECP. The gene that encodes the human ECP is located on chromosome 14, and the protein shares the overall three-dimensional structure and the RNase active-site residues with other proteins in the RNase A superfamily. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human ECP gene have been currently described. ECP has many biological functions, including an immunoregulatory function, the regulation of fibroblast activity, and the induction of mucus secretion in the airway. Additionally, the protein is a potent cytotoxic molecule and has the capacity to kill mammalian and nonmammalian cells. The purpose of this article was to review the known biological and genetic characteristics of ECP that contribute to the understanding of this protein's role in the development and progression of a wide variety of diseases.
authors: Federal University of São João Del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors: Paula Cristina Rabelo
authors: PC
authors: de Oliveira
authors: Priscila Oliveira
authors: PO
authors: de Lima
authors: Denise Tostes
authors: DT
authors: Oliveira
authors: Michele Conceição
authors: MC
authors: Pereira
mesh_terms: D004194:Disease; D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein