Recombinant Human alpha 2 Macroglobulin protein

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Alpha-2-macroglobulin also known as alpha-2-M and A2M is a large glycoprotein with a molecular mass of approximately 725 kDa. It is expressed in the liver and is found in high concentrations in the blood plasma. This protein functions mechanically as a broad-spectrum protease inhibitor. It can trap proteases within its structure preventing them from accessing substrates. Additionally alpha-2-macroglobulin can bind to cytokines and growth factors altering their availability and activities.

Biological function summary

Alpha-2-macroglobulin plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating protease activities and modulating immune system reactions. It does not form a permanent complex but can transiently associate with the proteases and various molecules mentioned. By interacting with proteases it controls processes like coagulation and fibrinolysis and participates in the clearance of proteinases and growth factors from the circulation. It influences cell signaling pathways and inflammatory responses highlighting its significance in maintaining balance within the body.

Pathways

Alpha-2-macroglobulin is an important component in the immune response and coagulation pathways. In the complement system it binds with complement components to regulate their activities. It associates with proteins such as plasmin and thrombin which are important for blood clotting and fibrinolysis. These relationships emphasize the protein's involvement in both protective mechanisms against pathogens and the regulation of blood coagulation and breakdown connecting the immune and hemostatic systems.

Alpha-2-macroglobulin has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and liver diseases. In Alzheimer's altered levels of this protein might affect the amyloid-beta peptide clearance due to its protease inhibition and binding properties. It associates with proteins like lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) influencing amyloid-beta metabolism. In liver diseases its levels can indicate liver dysfunction or inflammation given its synthesis in the liver and can relate to proteins involved in inflammation such as cytokines. Its modulation of protease activity makes it a critical target in understanding these disorders.