Localization of Histidine-rich Glycoprotein (HRG) in skeletal muscle

What is it about?

HRG is a plasma protein synthesized by liver. We have previously demonstrated its presence in skeletal muscle, where it function as zinc matallochaperone, and shown that muscle cells can internalize it from plasma. In the present study, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunogold analysis, the ultrastructural localization of HRG in skeletal muscle fibers was analyzed.

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Why is it important?

Our findings show the presence of HRG mainly in the sarcomere, in the heterochromatin of nuclei and in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The presence of HRG in SR vescicles supports its possible role in providing and regulating intracellular free zinc. The detection of HRG in the nuclei suggests a possible HRG involvement in gene regulation.