α2-Macroglobulin from human plasma
SIGMA/M6159 - BioUltra, ≥98% (SDS-PAGE)
Synonym: α2-M
CAS Number: 1631137-21-7
MDL Number: MFCD00130472
Product Type: Chemical
α2-Macroglobulin is a tetramer with four identical subunits with molecular weights of 179 kDa. Upon binding to a protease, the 179 kDa subunit is cleaved into two 85 kDa fragments.
SDS-PAGE (7%) of α2-macroglobulin (Cat. No. M6159) under reducing conditions and stained with Coomassie blue.
| assay | ≥98% (SDS-PAGE) |
| biological source | human plasma |
| composition | Protein, 15-30% biuret |
| form | lyophilized powder |
| mol wt | ~720 kDa (four glycoprotein subunits) |
| product line | BioUltra |
| Quality Level | 200  |
| solubility | water: soluble 10 mg protein/mL, clear, colorless |
| storage temp. | −20°C |
| technique(s) | inhibition assay: suitable |
| UniProt accession no. | P01023  |
| Analysis Note: | Plasma from each donor has been tested and found negative for antibody to HIV-1/HIV-2, antibody to HCV and HbSAg. |
| Application: | 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. |
| 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. |
| Biochem/physiol Actions: | 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. |
| Biochem/physiol Actions: | Serum levels of α2-Macroglobulin (α2-M) and protease-α2-M complexes are increased in patients with sepsis, emphysema, periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. It is hypothesized that the oxidant inactivation of α2-M contributes to tissue destruction in inflammation. |
| 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. |
| Packaging: | Package size based on protein content |
| Physical form: | Lyophilized from 0.02 M Tris, 0.13 M glycine, pH 8.0, and 0.08 M trehalose |
| RIDADR | NONH for all modes of transport |
| WGK Germany | WGK 3 |
| Flash Point(F) | Not applicable |
| Flash Point(C) | Not applicable |
| Purity | ≥98% (SDS-PAGE) |
| Storage Temp. | −20°C |
| UNSPSC | 12352202 |