A2M Antibody / Alpha-2-Macroglobulin

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (Alpha-2M) is a homotetrameric serum protein consisting of four identical subunits that form dimers through disulfide bonds. Initially, Alpha-2M was characterized as a pan-proteinase inhibitor that was able to bait proteinases into cleaving specific peptide sequences on Alpha-2M. This interaction induces a conformational change in Alpha-2M, thus enabling it to trap the proteinase and further inhibit its activity. Subsequently, Alpha-2M has been shown to function as a carrier protein and regulator of cytokines during inflammation. Circulating transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) in serum is primarily bound to Alpha-2M, which renders TGFbeta inactive. Alpha-2M also binds to IL-6 and, thereby, increases the concentration of IL-6 near lymphocytes, hepatocytes and stem cells involved in mediating the inflammatory cascade. Mutations and deletions in the gene encoding Alpha-2M are associated with an increased incidence of Alzheimer s disease (AD), which is consistent with the role of Alpha-2M in mediating the clearance and degradation of A beta, the major component of beta-Amyloid deposits accumulated during AD.

P01023

Mouse

A recombinant partial protein sequence (within amino acids 604-748) from the human protein was used as the immunogen for the Alpha-2M antibody.

Monoclonal

IgG1 κ

IHC-P

Purified

0.2 mg/ml in 1X PBS with 0.1 mg/ml BSA (US sourced), 0.05% sodium azide

Aliquot the Alpha-2M antibody and store frozen at -20oC or colder. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

This Alpha-2M antibody is available for research use only.