Joining chain

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006286",
  "term": "Joining chain",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A small polypeptide chain that facilitates the polymerization of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) molecules into their pentameric or dimeric forms, respectively. It forms disulfide bonds with the Fc regions of the immunoglobulin monomers. The joining chain is synthesized by plasma cells and is required for the secretion of polymeric immunoglobulins.",
  "synonyms": [
    "J chain"
  ],
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "immunoglobulin A",
    "immunoglobulin M"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1197 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/joining-chain/"
}