Background:
Myelin protein-zero is the major structural protein of peripheral myelin, accounting for more than 50% of the protein present in the sheath of peripheral nerves. Expression of the gene encoding Myelin protein-zero (MPZ) is restricted to Schwann cells; MPZ is not found in the CNS. An integral membrane glycoprotein of ~28kDa, Myelin protein-zero is thought to link adjacent lamellae and thereby stabilize the myelin assembly. The other 3 major components of myelin are myelin basic protein, myelin proteolipid protein and myelin-associated glycoprotein.