# FUNCTIONS OF THE PLASMA VITAMIN D BINDING PROTEIN

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 1988 · $195,673

## Abstract

A broad research program is proposed to continue and develop
strategies to investigate the multiple functions of the plasma
vitamin D binding protein (DBP, Gc globulin).  The vitamin D-
sterol and actin-binding domains of the protein will be
characterized by isolating and analyzing proteolytic and chemical
cleavage products for the presence of chemically cross-linked,
radioactive sterol analogues and the high-affinity binding to
monomeric actin.  Physicochemical, affinity and immunoaffinity
chromatography will be employed to isolate DBP from
homozygotes having the Gc-1f and Gc-2 phenotype, as well as
earlier examples (fish) of the protein, thereby allowing further
definition of the functional differences of genetic and
evolutionary forms.  Selective immunoprobes, developed with
hybridoma technology, will allow characterization of the
orientation of cell associated DBP by light and electron
microscopy.  The source of cell-associated DBP will be defined,
and receptor sites sought.  The function of cell-surface DBP will
be sought in leukocytes and cell lines.  Studies are designed to
test the putative roles of DBP in: Fc receptor activity;
association with mIgG; co-chemoattractant with C5a; endotoxin
or LPS-binder and inactivator; protection from human
immunodeficiency virus infection.  The role of plasma DBP in the
vivo disposition of actin moieties will be analyzed.  The influences
of DBP and other carriers in the egress of vitamin D3 from
cutaneous synthetic sites will be studied in isolated, perfusion
systems, and the influences of plasma carriers on cellular access
of sterols in vitro will be defined.  These studies should lead to an
improved understanding of the roles of DBP in sterol transport
and cellular access, in protection of the organism from endotoxins
and actin forms liberated into the circulation, and in cell surface-
cytoskeleton relationships, cell structure and motility.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155619
- **Project number:** 2R01AR028292-08
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GM1XX56LEP58
- **Principal Investigator:** PETER J. SNYDER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $195,673
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1980-08-01 → 1993-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155619

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155619, FUNCTIONS OF THE PLASMA VITAMIN D BINDING PROTEIN (2R01AR028292-08). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155619. Licensed CC0.

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