Functional Differences of MIP (Lens Fiber Major Intrinsic Protein) Between Animals and Birds

The major intrinsic protein (MIP) of the lens fiber cell membrane plays a role in lens biogenesis and maintenance. Its polypeptide chains span the membrane six times, and the protein is naturally divided into two halves. We use modern sequence analysis to identify differences between halves for humans (common to animals) and chickens (common to birds).