A2M Human
Greater than 95.0%.
Description
Product Specs
Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A2M) is a large plasma protein produced by the liver that acts as a protease inhibitor. It is composed of four identical subunits linked by disulfide bonds. A2M inhibits a broad spectrum of proteases, including those involved in coagulation (thrombin, kallikrein) and fibrinolysis (plasmin). It achieves inhibition by trapping proteases within its structure upon cleavage of a "bait" region, leading to the formation of a complex that is recognized and cleared by macrophages. A2M also plays a role in transporting various molecules. Elevated A2M levels are observed in conditions like nephrotic syndrome, where its large size prevents its loss through kidney filtration, and in cirrhosis, pregnancy, and diabetes. In nephrotic syndrome, increased protein production contributes to higher A2M concentrations. Chronic renal failure may lead to amyloid deposition by A2M.
Human Alpha-2 Macroglobulin is a large protein found in human blood plasma. It is made up of four identical units and has a molecular weight of 725 kDa. This protein is glycosylated, meaning it has sugar molecules attached to it.
Sterile Filtered White lyophilized powder. This means the product has been filtered to remove any bacteria and then dried by freezing and removing the ice under a vacuum, resulting in a white powder.
The product has been freeze-dried from a concentrated solution containing 5mM potassium phosphate buffer with a pH of 6.5 and an equal amount (1:1 w/w) of Glycine.
To reconstitute (dissolve) the freeze-dried A2M, it is recommended to use sterile water with a resistance of 18 megaohms per centimeter (18MΩ-cm H2O).
The freeze-dried A2M protein, while stable at room temperature for 3 weeks, should ideally be stored in a dry environment below -18°C. After dissolving and sterilizing by filtration, the A2M solution can be stored at 4°C for up to 4 weeks. For long-term storage and in more diluted solutions, adding a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is recommended.
Repeated freezing and thawing of the product should be avoided.
The blood serum from each donor used in the production process has undergone testing and shown no presence of antibodies for HIV-1, HIV-2, HCV, and HBV, indicating the absence of these viruses.
The purity of the product is greater than 95.0%.
Product Science Overview
In humans, α2M is encoded by the A2M gene located on chromosome 12 (12p13.31) . The protein is composed of multiple subunits and contains a thiol ester bond, which is crucial for its function . The structure of α2M allows it to undergo significant conformational changes, which are essential for its role as a protease inhibitor .
α2M is a broad-spectrum protease inhibitor, meaning it can inactivate a wide variety of proteinases . It plays several critical roles in the body, including:
- Inhibition of Fibrinolysis: By inhibiting plasmin and kallikrein, α2M helps regulate the breakdown of blood clots .
- Inhibition of Coagulation: It inhibits thrombin, thus playing a role in controlling blood coagulation .
- Carrier Protein: α2M binds to numerous growth factors and cytokines, such as platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, TGF-β, insulin, and IL-1β .
α2M has been implicated in various diseases and conditions:
