Application
α2-Macroglobulin was used to study impaired lipoprotein receptor-mediated peripheral binding of plasma amyloid-β which is an early biomarker for mild cognitive impairment preceding Alzheimer′s disease. It was also used in the control of the classical and the MBL pathway of complement activation.
Inhibits all classes of endoproteases by forming a complex with the protease. When the protease cleaves the macroglobulin "bait" sequence, the macroglobulin rearranges and traps the protease.
Packaging
1, 5, 10 mg
Package size based on protein content
Biochem/physiol Actions
α2-Macroglobulin (α2M) is a multifunctional protein that is a broad spectrum protease inhibitor. α2M is a large homotetrameric glycoprotein (720 kDa) that is connected by disulfide-linked dimers which non-covalently interact to give the quaternary structure. α2M is found in normal plasma at a concentration of 220-230 mg/dl accounting for 3-5% of the total plasma protein.
α2-Macroglobulin is found abundantly in plasma and interstitial fluids. The protease-α2-M balance plays an important role in mediating inflammatory tissue destruction. Serum levels of α2-M and protease-α2-M complexes are increased in patients with sepsis, emphysema, periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases, and oxidant inactivation of α2-M may contribute to tissue destruction during inflammation.
Physical form
Lyophilized from 0.02 M Tris, 0.13 M glycine, pH 8.0, and 0.08 M trehalose
Analysis Note
Plasma from each donor has been tested and found negative for antibody to HIV-1/HIV-2, antibody to HCV and HbSAg.