GYPC
Description
The GYPC gene provides instructions for making a protein called glycophorin C. This protein is found on the surface of red blood cells and plays a crucial role in their shape, stability, and interactions with other cells. Glycophorin C helps red blood cells maintain their biconcave disc shape, which is essential for efficient oxygen transport. It also interacts with other proteins on the red blood cell surface, contributing to the cell‘s overall structure and function.
Associated Diseases
- Hereditary elliptocytosis (HE): A group of disorders characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells that are oval or elliptical. These cells are less flexible and can cause anemia, fatigue, and jaundice.
- Xerocytosis: A rare blood disorder that causes red blood cells to shrink excessively in a low-salt environment, leading to dehydration and hemolysis.
- Other red blood cell disorders: GYPC gene mutations may also contribute to other less common red blood cell disorders, such as stomatocytosis and spherocytosis.
Did you know?
Glycophorin C is also a target for certain malaria parasites, which use it to attach to red blood cells. This interaction is crucial for the parasite‘s life cycle, and mutations in the GYPC gene can provide resistance to malaria.
