Alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M) is a major serum protein found at concentrations of 240 mg per 100 ml in men and 290 mg per 100 ml in women. It functions as a broad-spectrum protease-binding protein. It is produced by the liver, and is a major component of the alpha-2 band in protein electrophoresis. It 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
Size
1 mg
Concentration
n/a
Applications
RUO
Other Names
C3 and PZP-like alpha-2-macroglobulin domain-containing protein 5, A2M, CPAMD5, FWP007