α₂-Macroglobulin

α2-Macroglobulin belongs to the macroglobulin superfamily. It is a high molecular weight tetrameric glycoprotein with receptor-binding domain (RBD), thioester-containing domain (TED) domain and C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1 (CUB) domain.

α2-Macroglobulin has been used as a component of homogenization buffer for processing hemibrains of young mice.

α2-Macroglobulin is a plasma endopeptidase and glycoprotein which functions on proteinases, especially serine proteases. It interacts with and inhibits endopeptidases. However, it does not act on other proteases, including inactive proteinases.

α2-Macroglobulin (α2M) binds several hormones and may regulate their activity. α2M also aids protection against various infections.

Working solution: Recommended solvent is distilled water.
Storage conditions (working solution): -15 to -25 °C

Soluble in water. Stable for at least one week at room temperature (15 to 25 °C), or 3 weeks at 2 to 8 °C. Can also be frozen in aliquots at -15 to -25 °C, where it remains stable for at least 6 months. Sensitive to acidic pH, denatured below pH 4.0. Ammonia methylamine and hydroxylamine (above pH 7.0) cause irreversible conversion to the inactive form.
Note: Do not use α₂-macroglobulin in the presence of DTT since it causes a (reversible) dissociation into inactive subunits. α₂-macroglobulin acts by physically entrapping endoproteinases, usually in a 1:1 ratio.

Store at 2 to 8 °C. (Store dry!)

Specific activity: approximately 1 inhibitor U/mg protein (tested with trypsin at +25°C and Chromozym TRY as substrate).

Crossreactivity with pregnancy associated glycoproteins: deglycosylation of α₂-macroglobulin is recommended.

α₂-macroglobulin, a glycoprotein, is a tetramer of identical subunits, which are Iinked in pairs by disulfide bonds.

For life science research only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.