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Alpha 2-macroglobulin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Identifiers | |
| Symbol | A2M |
| HUGO | 7 |
| Entrez | 2 |
| OMIM | 103950 |
| RefSeq | NM_000014 |
| UniProt | P01023 |
| Other data | |
| Locus | Chr. 12 p13.31 |
Alpha-2 macroglobulin is a large plasma protein found in the blood. It is produced by the liver, and is a major component of the alpha-2 band in protein electrophoresis.
Alpha-2 macroglobulin levels are increased in nephrotic syndrome, a condition wherein the kidneys start to leak out some of the smaller blood proteins. Because of its size, α2-macroglobulin is retained in the bloodstream. Increased production of all proteins means α2-macroglobulin concentration increases. This increase has little adverse effect on the health, but is used as a diagnostic clue. Longstanding chronic renal failure can lead to amyloid by alpha-2 macroglobulin (see main article: amyloid).
A common variant (29.5%) (polymorphism) of α2-macroglobulin leads to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, although the mechanism is unknown.
α-2 macroglobulin binds to and removes the active forms of the gelatinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) from the circulation via scavenger receptors on the phagocytes.
Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin - Alpha 1-antitrypsin - Alpha 2-macroglobulin - Alpha 2-antiplasmin - Antithrombin - Ceruloplasmin - Haptoglobin - Heparin cofactor II - Orosomucoid - Retinol binding protein - Transcortin