Alpha 2 Macroglobulin, Fast Form from human plasma

α 2 Macroglobulin (A2M) is a plasma protease inhibitor which has been shown to exist in two forms. The Slow Form of A2M (S-A2M) is the form which possesses the ability to bind and inhibit proteases by a “trap” method. The Fast Form of A2M (F-A2M) is generated when S-A2M undergoes a conformational change due to either entrapment of a protease in the A2M bait region, or chemical cleavage of an internal thiol ester bond located near the bait region. F-A2M does not possess the ability to bind and inhibit protease activity. F-A2M is rapidly taken up by the liver, with a half-life of 2-4 minutes. In vivo, F-A2M typically represents only 0.17–0.7% of the total A2M in blood plasma of adults. The F-A2M plasma concentration is, however, increased in many disease states including pancreatitis, multiple sclerosis and sepsis. F-A2M has also been implicated in the inhibition of amyloid formation associated with Alzheimer′s disease and spongiform encephalopathy.

α 2 macroglobulin (A2M) is a major serum protein found at concentrations of 240 mg/100 mL in men and 290 mg/100 mL in women. It is produced by the liver and is a major component of the α-2 band in protein electrophoresis. It has a molecular weight of 800,000Da.

α 2 macroglobulin (A2M) functions as a broad-spectrum protease-binding protein. In addition, it acts as an irreversible inhibitor of a variety of proteinases. A2M expressed in the brain interacts with multiple extracellular ligands and is interiorized by neurons and astrocytes. In the brain of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) patients, A2M has been localized to diffuse amyloid plaques. A2M interacts with soluble β-amyloid and facilitates its degradation.

Lyophilized from 100 mM Na Phosphate, pH 7.2.

In water or aqueous buffer