| Types | DnaRegion
|
| Roles | CDS
Coding
|
| Sequences | BBa_K1190000_sequence (Version 1)
|
Description
Protein melan-A is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MLANA gene. A fragment of the protein, usually consisting of the nine amino acids 27 to 35, is bound by MHC class I complexes which present it to T cells of the immune system. These complexes can be found on the surface of melanoma cells. Decameric peptides (26-35) are being investigated as cancer vaccines.
Notes
The natural Melan-A sequence has a PstI site at 323bp. This can be remedied by creating a silent mutation to get rid of the PstI site. Because the epitope site is from amino acids 27-35 (81-105bp), it is also possible to shorten the sequence to less than 323 base pairs to exclude the PstI site altogether while retaining protein function as a vaccine candidate.
Source
Homo sapiens melanocytes
