The human C4b-binding protein beta-chain gene.

Human complement component C4b-binding protein (C4BP) is composed of seven alpha-chains and one beta-chain. The alpha- and beta-chains are homologous and both contain multiple copies of short consensus repeats (SCR) and in addition carboxyl-terminal non-repeat regions. Each of the alpha-chains contains a binding site for C4b, whereas the beta-chain binds protein S, a vitamin K-dependent protein involved in the regulation of blood coagulation.

Human genes for the alpha and beta chains of complement C4b-binding protein are closely linked in a head-to-tail arrangement.

C4b-binding protein (C4BP) is an important component in the regulation of the complement system and also binds the anticoagulant vitamin K-dependent protein S. These activities are performed by distinct, although structurally related, polypeptides of 70 kDa (alpha chain) and 45 kDa (beta chain), respectively. In this report we have investigated the genetic relationships between these polypeptides.