alpha-2-macroglobulin, also known as α2-macroglobulin (α2M and A2M), is an abundant protein of the plasma of vertebrates and members of several invertebrate phyla and functions as a broad-spectrum protease-binding protein. alpha-2-macroglobulin is produced by the liver, and is a major component of the alpha-2 band in protein electrophoresis. alpha-2-macroglobulin is a large plasma glycoprotein that has long been known as an irreversible inhibitor of a variety of proteinases. More recently, it has been reported that numerous growth factors, cytokines and hormones bind to alpha 2M through diverse mechanisms. A2M is also produced in the brain where it binds multiple extracellular ligands and is internalized by neurons and astrocytes. In the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, A2M has been localized to diffuse amyloid plaques. A2M also binds soluble beta-amyloid, of which it mediates degradation. Protease-conjugated alpha2-macroglobulin is selectively bound by cells contacting the body fluids and alpha2-macroglobulin and its protease cargo are then internalized and degraded in secondary lysosomes of those cells. In addition to this function as an agent for protease clearance, alpha2-macroglobulin binds a variety of other ligands, including several peptide growth factors and modulates the activity of a lectin-dependent cytolytic pathway in arthropods.
Product Name:
A2M/CPAMD5 Recombinant Protein (RPES2417)
Product Code:
RPES2417
Size:
20µg
Species:
Human
Expressed Host:
Baculovirus-Insect Cells
Synonyms:
A2MD,CPAMD5,FWP007,S863-7
Accession:
NP_000005.2
Sequence:
Met 1-Ala 1474
Fusion tag:
C-His
Activity:
Measured by its ability to trap trypsin. The trapped trypsin is no longer able to interact with protein substrates or inhibitors, but still able to cleave small peptide substrates or inhibitors.The IC50 value is <5 nM.
Endotoxin:
<1.0 EU per µg as determined by the LAL method.
Protein Construction:
A DNA sequence encoding the human A2M (NP_000005.2) (Met 1-Ala 1474) was expressed, fused with a polyhistidine tag at the C-terminus.
Purity:
> 92 % as determined by reducing SDS-PAGE.
Mol Mass:
164 kDa
AP Mol Mass:
160-170 kDa
Formulation:
Lyophilized from sterile 20mM Tris, 500mM NaCl, pH 7.4
Shipping:
This product is provided as lyophilized powder which is shipped with ice packs.
Stability and Storage:
Lyophilized proteins are stable for up to 12 months when stored at -20 to -80°C. Reconstituted protein solution can be stored at 4-8°C for 2-7 days. Aliquots of reconstituted samples are stable at < -20°C for 3 months.