C6
C6 (complement C6, formerly complement component 6) is a component of the membrane attack complex, the multiprotein assembly through which the complement cascade lyses target cells. It belongs to the complement C6/C7/C8/C9 family and is found both in secreted form and at the target cell membrane. Browse Assay Genie's current range of C6 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
C6 is a component of the membrane attack complex (MAC), a multiprotein complex activated by the complement cascade. The MAC inserts into a target cell membrane and forms a pore, which leads to membrane rupture and cell lysis. Assembly is initiated when C5 is proteolytically cleaved into complement C5b, in response to the classical, alternative, lectin and GZMK complement pathways. Together with C5b, C6 takes part in MAC assembly: C5b and C6 associate with the outer leaflet of the target cell membrane, which reduces the energy required for membrane bending.
The complement pathways form a cascade of proteins that leads to phagocytosis and breakdown of pathogens, and to signalling that strengthens the adaptive immune system. The MAC is the terminal, lytic arm of this cascade, and C6 is one of its core building blocks. The C6 protein is secreted and then engages the target cell membrane during MAC formation. It belongs to the complement C6/C7/C8/C9 family, the group of related proteins that make up the complex. HGNC places the C6 gene in the groups for sushi domain containing proteins, complement system activation components and the membrane attack complex.
Mutations in the C6 gene are associated with complement component-6 deficiency. Transcript variants encoding the same protein have been described. The gene was previously named complement component 6, and mouse and rat orthologs share the C6 symbol, which allows comparative work on terminal complement function in rodent models.
C6 acts downstream of C5 cleavage, so it is relevant to studies of the classical, alternative, lectin and GZMK complement pathways.
C6 associates with C5b at the outer leaflet of the target membrane, making it central to work on how the MAC pore forms.
Complement leads to phagocytosis and breakdown of pathogens, and C6 supports the lytic arm of this response.
Mutations in the C6 gene are associated with complement component-6 deficiency, giving a clear genetic link for disease-focused research.
C6 is a component of the membrane attack complex. With C5b it associates with the outer leaflet of the target cell membrane, reducing the energy needed for membrane bending. The assembled complex forms a pore that causes membrane rupture and cell lysis.
The HGNC full name is complement C6, and the UniProt name is complement component C6. The previous HGNC name was complement component 6. No alternative gene symbols are listed. NCBI notes that transcript variants encoding the same protein have been described.
Mouse and rat both have a C6 ortholog. In humans, mutations in the C6 gene are associated with complement component-6 deficiency. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other membrane attack complex components and complement cascade proteins that work alongside C6.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P13671; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.