alpha-2-Macroglobulin (a-2M) is a homotetrameric serum protein consisting of four identical subunits that form dimers through disulfide bonds. Initially, a-2M was characterized as a pan-proteinase inhibitor thatwas able to “bait” proteinases into cleaving specific peptide sequences on a-2M. This interaction induces a conformational change in a-2M, thus enabling it to “trap”the proteinase and inhibit its further activity. Subsequently, a2M has also been shown to function as a carrier protein and regulator of cytokines during inflammation. Circulating transforming growth factor B (TGFB) in serumis primarily bound to a-2M,which renders TGFB inactive. a-2M also binds to IL-6 and, thereby, increasesthe concentration of IL-6 near lymphocytes, hepatocytes and stem cells involved inmediating the inflammatory cascade. Mutations and deletions in the gene encoding a-2M are associated with an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD),which isconsistent with the role of a2M inmediating the clearance and degradation of AB, the major component of B-Amyloid deposits accumulated during AD.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.