The C8A gene provides instructions for making one piece, the alpha subunit, of a protein complex called complement component 8. The alpha subunit is linked to another piece of the complex called the gamma subunit (produced from the C8G gene). These two proteins interact with the beta subunit (produced from the C8B gene) to form complement component 8.
Complement component 8 aids in a part of the body’s immune response known as the complement system. The complement system is a group of proteins that work together to destroy foreign invaders, trigger inflammation, and remove debris from cells and tissues. Complement component 8 combines with several other complement proteins to form the membrane attack complex (MAC), which inserts itself in the outer membrane of bacterial cells. This complex creates a hole (pore) in the membrane, which kills the bacterium. This part of the immune response appears to be especially important for fighting infection by bacteria in the Neisseria genus.
Other Names
complement component 8 alpha subunit; complement component 8 subunit alpha; complement component 8, alpha polypeptide; complement component C8 alpha chain preproprotein
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 731
- OMIM: 120950
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
