Serum Amyloid A (SAA) proteins are a family of apolipoproteins associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in plasma. These proteins are encoded by the SAA gene in humans and are primarily synthesized in the liver. SAA proteins play a crucial role in the acute phase response, a rapid inflammatory response to trauma, infection, or other stressors.
Human recombinant Serum Amyloid A (APO-SAA) is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 104 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 11.7 kDa . The recombinant form is produced in Escherichia coli and is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques . The amino acid sequence of APO-SAA includes several key residues that are critical for its function and stability.
SAA proteins are involved in various physiological processes, including lipid metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. During an acute phase response, the concentration of SAA in the serum can increase up to 1000-fold within 24 hours . This dramatic increase is primarily due to de novo synthesis in the liver. SAA proteins act as cytokine-like molecules, facilitating cell-cell communication and modulating inflammatory and immune responses .
Elevated levels of SAA are associated with several pathological conditions, including chronic inflammatory diseases, infections, and malignancies . SAA proteins can form amyloid fibrils, which accumulate in tissues and contribute to amyloidosis, a condition characterized by the deposition of insoluble protein aggregates. Additionally, SAA has been linked to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases due to its role in lipid transport and metabolism .
Recombinant human APO-SAA is widely used in research to study its biological functions and mechanisms of action. It is also utilized in the development of diagnostic assays and therapeutic interventions for diseases associated with abnormal SAA levels. The recombinant form provides a consistent and reliable source of the protein for experimental and clinical applications .