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Bo Åkerström - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Table_1_Plasma Heme Scavengers Alpha-1-Microglobulin and Hemopexin as Biomarkers in High-Risk Pregnancies.docx
    2019
    Co-Authors: Grigorios Kalapotharakos, Bo Åkerström, Katja Murtoniemi, Esa Hämäläinen, Eero Kajantie, Katri Räikkönen, Pia Villa, Hannele Laivuori, Stefan R Hansson
    Abstract:

    Women with established preeclampsia (PE) have increased plasma concentration of free fetal hemoglobin. We measured two hemoglobin scavenger system proteins, hemopexin (Hpx) and Alpha-1-Microglobulin (A1M) in maternal plasma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during the late second trimester of pregnancy in women with high and low risk of developing PE. In total 142 women were included in nested case-control study: 42 women diagnosed with PE and 100 controls (49 randomly selected high-risk and 51 low-risk controls). The concentration of plasma A1M in high-risk controls was higher compared to low-risk controls. Women with severe PE had higher plasma A1M levels compared to women with non-severe PE. In conclusion, the concentration of plasma A1M is increased in the late second trimester in high-risk controls, suggesting activation of endogenous protective system against oxidative stress.

  • fetal hemoglobin in preeclampsia a new causative factor a tool for prediction diagnosis and a potential target for therapy
    Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2013
    Co-Authors: Stefan R Hansson, Magnus Gram, Bo Åkerström
    Abstract:

    Preeclampsia, one of the leading causes of pregnancy complications, affects 3-7% of pregnant women. This review summarizes the present knowledge of a new potential cause of the disease and suggests a method for its prediction/diagnosis and a possible treatment, both based on the recent findings on the involvement of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and the heme and radical scavenging protein A1M (Alpha-1-Microglobulin).

  • increased levels of cell free hemoglobin oxidation markers and the antioxidative heme scavenger alpha 1 microglobulin in preeclampsia
    Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2010
    Co-Authors: Magnus G Olsson, Jorgen Larsson, Magnus Centlow, Sigurbjorg Rutardottir, Irene Stenfors, Bahram Hosseinimaaf, Martin L Olsson, Stefan R Hansson, Bo Åkerström
    Abstract:

    Preeclampsia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. To date, the pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Recent studies show that preeclampsia is associated with overexpression of the hemoglobin genes alpha2 and gamma and accumulation of the protein in the vascular lumen of the placenta. Hypothesizing that cell-free hemoglobin leaks from the placenta into the maternal circulation and contributes to the endothelial damage and symptoms by inducing oxidative stress, we analyzed fetal and adult hemoglobin (HbF, HbA), haptoglobin, oxidation markers, and the heme scavenger and antioxidant alpha(1)-microglobulin in plasma, urine, and placenta in preeclamptic women (n=28) and women with normal pregnancy (n=27). The mean plasma concentrations of HbF, HbA, protein carbonyl groups, membrane peroxidation capacity, and alpha(1)-microglobulin were significantly increased in preeclamptic women. The levels of total plasma Hb correlated strongly with the systolic blood pressure. The plasma haptoglobin concentrations of women with preeclampsia were significantly depressed. Increased amounts of alpha(1)-microglobulin mRNA and protein were found in placenta from preeclamptic women, and the levels of plasma and placenta alpha(1)-microglobulin correlated with the plasma Hb concentrations. The heme-degrading form t-alpha(1)-microglobulin was significantly increased in urine in preeclampsia. These results support the idea that hemoglobin-induced oxidative stress is a pathogenic factor in preeclampsia.

  • increased levels of cell free hemoglobin oxidation markers and the antioxidative heme scavenger alpha 1 microglobulin in preeclampsia
    Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2010
    Co-Authors: Magnus G Olsson, Jorgen Larsson, Magnus Centlow, Sigurbjorg Rutardottir, Irene Stenfors, Bahram Hosseinimaaf, Martin L Olsson, Stefan R Hansson, Bo Åkerström
    Abstract:

    Preeclampsia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. To date, the pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Recent studies show that preeclampsia is associated with overexpression of the hemoglobin genes alpha2 and gamma and accumulation of the protein in the vascular lumen of the placenta. Hypothesizing that cell-free hemoglobin leaks from the placenta into the maternal circulation and contributes to the endothelial damage and symptoms by inducing oxidative stress, we analyzed fetal and adult hemoglobin (HbF, HbA), haptoglobin, oxidation markers, and the heme scavenger and antioxidant alpha(1)-microglobulin in plasma, urine, and placenta in preeclamptic women (n=28) and women with normal pregnancy (n=27). The mean plasma concentrations of HbF, HbA, protein carbonyl groups, membrane peroxidation capacity, and alpha(1)-microglobulin were significantly increased in preeclamptic women. The levels of total plasma Hb correlated strongly with the systolic blood pressure. The plasma haptoglobin concentrations of women with preeclampsia were significantly depressed. Increased amounts of alpha(1)-microglobulin mRNA and protein were found in placenta from preeclamptic women, and the levels of plasma and placenta alpha(1)-microglobulin correlated with the plasma Hb concentrations. The heme-degrading form t-alpha(1)-microglobulin was significantly increased in urine in preeclampsia. These results support the idea that hemoglobin-induced oxidative stress is a pathogenic factor in preeclampsia. (Less)

  • the lipocalin α1 microglobulin has radical scavenging activity
    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2007
    Co-Authors: Bo Åkerström, Ghassan J Maghzal, Christine C Winterbourn, Anthony J Kettle
    Abstract:

    The lipocalin alpha(1)-microglobulin (alpha(1)m) is a 26-kDa glycoprotein present in plasma and in interstitial fluids of all tissues. The protein was recently shown to have reductase properties, reducing heme-proteins and other substrates, and was also reported to be involved in binding and scavenging of heme and tryptophan metabolites. To investigate its possible role as a reductant of organic radicals, we have studied the interaction of alpha(1)m with the synthetic radical, 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS radical). The lipocalin readily reacted with the ABTS radical forming reduced ABTS. The apparent rate constant for this reaction was 6.3 +/- 2.5 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1). A second reaction product with an intense purple color and an absorbance maximum at 550 nm was formed at a similar rate. This was shown by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to be derived from covalent attachment of a portion of ABTS radical to tyrosine residues on alpha(1)m. The relative yields of reduced ABTS and the purple ABTS derivative bound to alpha(1)m were approximately 2:1. Both reactions were dependent on the thiolate group of the cysteine residue in position 34 of the alpha(1)m polypeptide. Our results indicate that alpha(1)m is involved in a sequential reduction of ABTS radicals followed by trapping of these radicals by covalent attachment. In combination with the reported physiological properties of the protein, our results suggest that alpha(1)m may be a radical reductant and scavenger in vivo.

Jorgen Gliemann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • alpha 2 macroglobulin proteinase complexes plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 plasminogen activator complexes and receptor associated protein bind to a region of the alpha 2 macroglobulin receptor containing a cluster of eight complement type repeats
    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1993
    Co-Authors: S K Moestrup, Lars Sottrupjensen, Thor Las Holtet, Michael Etzerodt, Henning Thogersen, Anders Nykjaer, Peter A Andreasen, Hanne H Rasmussen, Jorgen Gliemann
    Abstract:

    Abstract A region containing sites for ligand binding was localized in the 4525-amino acid residue alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2MR/LRP) by ligand- and immunoblotting of proteinase and CNBr digests of the purified human placental protein. 125I-Labeled rat alpha 1-macroglobulin light chain, urokinase-plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 complex, and alpha 2MR-associated protein all bound to a 75-kDa CNBr-generated fragment (68 kDa after deglycosylation). In addition to the three ligands, the fragment bound a novel monoclonal antibody reacting in the region defined by amino acid residues 1165-1246 as determined by binding to recombinant fragments of alpha 2MR/LRP. The positions of methionine residues in alpha 2MR/LRP suggested that the ligand-binding CNBr fragment contained three disulfide-linked peptides comprising the residues 776-1399. This origin was confirmed by partial amino acid sequencing of the electroblotted fragment and polypeptides generated by reduction of the fragment. The identified region represents 13.6% of the molecular mass (nonglycosylated) of alpha 2MR/LRP and contains one of three large clusters of complement-type repeats.

  • distribution of the alpha 2 macroglobulin receptor low density lipoprotein receptor related protein in human tissues
    Cell and Tissue Research, 1992
    Co-Authors: Soren K Moestrup, Jorgen Gliemann, G Pallesen
    Abstract:

    The hepatic alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (alpha 2MR)/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) binds and endocytoses alpha 2-macroglobulin-proteinase complexes in plasma. In addition, it binds lipoproteins, a novel 40 kDa protein, and complexes between plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1. This study shows, for the first time, the tissue distribution of alpha 2MR/LRP as determined by immunohistochemistry with specific monoclonal antibodies. The analysis revealed alpha 2MR/LRP-expression in a restricted spectrum of cell types, including neurons and astrocytes in the central nervous system, epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, Leydig cells in testis, granulosa cells in ovary, and dendritic interstitial cells of kidney. Monocyte-derived cells displayed marked alpha 2MR/LRP expression in the phagocytes of liver, lung and lymphoid tissues, but no or low expression in antigen-presenting cells including Langerhans' cells of the skin. The high abundance of alpha 2MR/LRP in certain cell types of most organs suggests two main routes for alpha 2MR/LRP-mediated ligand clearance: (1) systemic removal in liver of circulating ligands, and (2) non-hepatic interstitial removal in different organs, including the brain.

  • analysis of ligand recognition by the purified alpha 2 macroglobulin receptor low density lipoprotein receptor related protein evidence that high affinity of alpha 2 macroglobulin proteinase complex is achieved by binding to adjacent receptors
    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1991
    Co-Authors: Soren K Moestrup, Jorgen Gliemann
    Abstract:

    Abstract The molecular basis for binding of alpha-macroglobulin-proteinase complexes to the human two-chain 500/85-kDa (alpha/beta) alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) receptor (alpha 2MR)/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein was analyzed. Ligand blotting experiments showed that a 40-kDa protein, present in the affinity-purified alpha 2MR preparation, is bound to the alpha 2MR alpha-chain and released by heparin. Removal of the 40-kDa protein resulted in a 3-5-fold increase in binding of alpha 2M-trypsin. Nitrocellulose-immobilized pure two-chain alpha 2MR was incubated with human alpha 2M-trypsin, containing four identical subunits, and two monovalent ligands: rat alpha 1-inhibitor-3-chymotrypsin and the 18-kDa receptor binding fragment of the alpha 2M subunit. Binding of alpha 2M-trypsin to the alpha-chain of immobilized alpha 2MR was composed of a high (Kd = 40 pM at 4 degrees C) and a low (Kd = 2 nM) affinity component. alpha 1-Inhibitor-3-chymotrypsin bound to the same sites but with one component (Kd = 0.4 nM). Competition-inhibition experiments and dissociation experiments, using ligands with different valences, as well as experiments with alpha 2MR immobilized at different densities, led to the following model. The low (Kd = 2 nM) affinity of alpha 2M-proteinase is prevalent when only one of the four domains binds to alpha 2MR, i.e. when the receptor density is low or when neighboring receptors are occupied. The high (Kd = 40 pM) affinity is achieved by binding of at least two domains to adjacent receptors.

Rudolf Dernick - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • biological activity of prostate specific antigen isolated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electroelution
    Electrophoresis, 1995
    Co-Authors: Uwe Tessmer, Folkert Donn, Astrid Leuner, Thomas Quack, Rudolf Dernick
    Abstract:

    : Human prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a 33 kDa kallikrein-like serine protease, occurring in the prostate, in seminal plasma and in blood, was prepared under nonreducing conditions in an enzymatically active form from seminal plasma by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by fast copper staining, electroelution from gel slices and dialysis against isotonic phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Enzymatic activity was demonstrated for the first time directly by cleavage of semenogelin, one of the biological substrates of PSA, isolated by the same procedure, i.e. SDS-PAGE and electroelution, but from seminal vesicle fluid. The purified PSA formed SDS-stable complexes with the two major extracellular protease inhibitors in blood, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACH) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M). PSA isolated under reducing conditions was enzymatically inactive and could not bind to the protease inhibitors alpha 1-ACH and alpha 2-M.

  • biological activity of prostate specific antigen isolated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electroelution
    Electrophoresis, 1995
    Co-Authors: Uwe Tessmer, Folkert Donn, Astrid Leuner, Thomas Quack, Rudolf Dernick
    Abstract:

    : Human prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a 33 kDa kallikrein-like serine protease, occurring in the prostate, in seminal plasma and in blood, was prepared under nonreducing conditions in an enzymatically active form from seminal plasma by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by fast copper staining, electroelution from gel slices and dialysis against isotonic phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Enzymatic activity was demonstrated for the first time directly by cleavage of semenogelin, one of the biological substrates of PSA, isolated by the same procedure, i.e. SDS-PAGE and electroelution, but from seminal vesicle fluid. The purified PSA formed SDS-stable complexes with the two major extracellular protease inhibitors in blood, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACH) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M). PSA isolated under reducing conditions was enzymatically inactive and could not bind to the protease inhibitors alpha 1-ACH and alpha 2-M.

Dudley K Strickland - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the low density lipoprotein receptor related protein alpha 2 macroglobulin receptor binds and mediates catabolism of bovine milk lipoprotein lipase
    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1992
    Co-Authors: David A Chappell, M A Waknitz, P H Iverius, Suzanne E Williams, Dudley K Strickland
    Abstract:

    Abstract Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the major lipolytic enzyme involved in the conversion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins to remnants, was found to compete with binding of activated alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M*) to the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor. Bovine milk LPL displaced both 125I-labeled alpha 2M* and 39-kDa alpha 2M receptor-associated protein (RAP) from the surface of cultured mutant fibroblasts lacking LDL receptors with apparent KI values at 4 degrees C of 6.8 and 30 nM, respectively. Furthermore, LPL inhibited the cellular degradation of 125I-alpha 2M* at 37 degrees C. Because both alpha 2M* and RAP interact with LRP, these data suggest that LPL binds specifically to this receptor. This was further supported by observing that an immunoaffinity-isolated polyclonal antibody against LRP blocked cellular degradation of 125I-LPL in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 125I-LPL bound to highly purified LRP in a solid-phase assay with a KD of 18 nM, and this binding could be partially displaced with alpha 2M* (KI = 7 nM) and RAP (KI = 3 nM). Taken together, these data establish that LPL binds with high affinity to LRP and undergoes LRP-mediated cellular uptake. The implication of these findings for lipoprotein catabolism in vivo may be important if LRP binding is preserved when LPL is attached to lipoproteins. If so, LPL might facilitate LRP-mediated clearance of lipoproteins.

  • low density lipoprotein receptor related protein alpha 2 macroglobulin receptor is an hepatic receptor for tissue type plasminogen activator
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1992
    Co-Authors: Suzanne Williams, Dudley K Strickland, Alan L Schwartz
    Abstract:

    Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), a serine protease that catalyzes the initial and rate-limiting step in the fibrinolytic cascade, is cleared rapidly in vivo by the liver. Using chemical crosslinking, we have recently identified a plasminogen-activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1)-independent t-PA clearance receptor on rat hepatoma MH1C1 cells with a relative molecular mass of approximately 500 kDa. Another recently identified membrane receptor, low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP/alpha 2MR), was also detected on MH1C1 hepatoma cells by using immunoprecipitation with anti-LRP/alpha 2MR antibody. When analyzed by SDS/PAGE, we found the t-PA receptor identified on MH1C1 cells comigrated with the large subunit of LRP/alpha 2MR. The t-PA receptor was immunoprecipitated by an anti-LRP/alpha 2MR antibody after chemical crosslinking of specifically bound 125I-labeled t-PA to its receptor. Through chemical crosslinking studies, we found that t-PA and methylamine-activated alpha 2-macroglobulin could bind to LRP/alpha 2MR simultaneously without competing with one another for binding, suggesting that the two ligands bound to two independent sites on the LRP/alpha 2MR molecule. Furthermore, a 39-kDa protein, which modulates ligand binding to LRP/alpha 2MR, was also found to inhibit t-PA binding to its receptor. These data thus show that the t-PA clearance receptor identified on MH1C1 hepatoma cells is LRP/alpha 2MR.

  • the alpha 2 macroglobulin receptor low density lipoprotein receptor related protein binds and internalizes pseudomonas exotoxin a
    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1992
    Co-Authors: M Z Kounnas, Dudley K Strickland, Randal E Morris, M R Thompson, Desmond J Fitzgerald, Catharine B Saelinger
    Abstract:

    The alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2 MR/LRP) is a large cell-surface glycoprotein consisting of a 515-kDa and an 85-kDa polypeptide; this receptor is thought to be responsible for the binding and endocytosis of activated alpha 2-macroglobulin and apoE-enriched beta-very low density lipoprotein. A similar high molecular weight glycoprotein has been identified as a potential receptor for Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE). We demonstrate that the alpha 2 MR/LRP and the PE-binding glycoprotein have a similar mobility upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and are immunologically indistinguishable. Furthermore, affinity-purified alpha 2 MR/LRP binds specifically to PE but not to a mutant toxin defective in its ability to bind cells. The 39-kDa receptor-associated protein, which blocks binding of ligands to alpha 2 MR/LRP, also prevents binding and subsequent toxicity of PE for mouse fibroblasts. The concentration of receptor-associated protein that was required to reduce binding and toxicity to 50% was approximately 14 nM, a value virtually identical to the KD measured for the interaction of receptor-associated protein with the purified receptor. Overall, the studies strongly suggest that the alpha 2 MR/LRP is responsible for internalizing PE.

  • 39 kda protein modulates binding of ligands to low density lipoprotein receptor related protein alpha 2 macroglobulin receptor
    Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1991
    Co-Authors: Joachim Herz, Dudley K Strickland, Joseph L Goldstein, Michael S Brown
    Abstract:

    A 39-kDa protein of unknown function has previously been reported to copurify with the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor. In this study we demonstrate that a recombinant 39-kDa fusion protein can reversibly bind to the 515-kDa subunit of the LRP/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor. This interaction inhibits the binding and uptake of the receptor's two known ligands: 1) beta-migrating very low density lipoproteins activated by enrichment with apoprotein E and 2) alpha 2-macroglobulin activated by incubation with plasma proteases or methylamine. A potential in vivo role of the 39-kDa protein is to modulate the uptake of apoE-enriched lipoproteins and activated alpha 2-macroglobulin in hepatic and extrahepatic tissues.

Jorgen Larsson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • increased levels of cell free hemoglobin oxidation markers and the antioxidative heme scavenger alpha 1 microglobulin in preeclampsia
    Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2010
    Co-Authors: Magnus G Olsson, Jorgen Larsson, Magnus Centlow, Sigurbjorg Rutardottir, Irene Stenfors, Bahram Hosseinimaaf, Martin L Olsson, Stefan R Hansson, Bo Åkerström
    Abstract:

    Preeclampsia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. To date, the pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Recent studies show that preeclampsia is associated with overexpression of the hemoglobin genes alpha2 and gamma and accumulation of the protein in the vascular lumen of the placenta. Hypothesizing that cell-free hemoglobin leaks from the placenta into the maternal circulation and contributes to the endothelial damage and symptoms by inducing oxidative stress, we analyzed fetal and adult hemoglobin (HbF, HbA), haptoglobin, oxidation markers, and the heme scavenger and antioxidant alpha(1)-microglobulin in plasma, urine, and placenta in preeclamptic women (n=28) and women with normal pregnancy (n=27). The mean plasma concentrations of HbF, HbA, protein carbonyl groups, membrane peroxidation capacity, and alpha(1)-microglobulin were significantly increased in preeclamptic women. The levels of total plasma Hb correlated strongly with the systolic blood pressure. The plasma haptoglobin concentrations of women with preeclampsia were significantly depressed. Increased amounts of alpha(1)-microglobulin mRNA and protein were found in placenta from preeclamptic women, and the levels of plasma and placenta alpha(1)-microglobulin correlated with the plasma Hb concentrations. The heme-degrading form t-alpha(1)-microglobulin was significantly increased in urine in preeclampsia. These results support the idea that hemoglobin-induced oxidative stress is a pathogenic factor in preeclampsia. (Less)

  • increased levels of cell free hemoglobin oxidation markers and the antioxidative heme scavenger alpha 1 microglobulin in preeclampsia
    Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2010
    Co-Authors: Magnus G Olsson, Jorgen Larsson, Magnus Centlow, Sigurbjorg Rutardottir, Irene Stenfors, Bahram Hosseinimaaf, Martin L Olsson, Stefan R Hansson, Bo Åkerström
    Abstract:

    Preeclampsia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. To date, the pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Recent studies show that preeclampsia is associated with overexpression of the hemoglobin genes alpha2 and gamma and accumulation of the protein in the vascular lumen of the placenta. Hypothesizing that cell-free hemoglobin leaks from the placenta into the maternal circulation and contributes to the endothelial damage and symptoms by inducing oxidative stress, we analyzed fetal and adult hemoglobin (HbF, HbA), haptoglobin, oxidation markers, and the heme scavenger and antioxidant alpha(1)-microglobulin in plasma, urine, and placenta in preeclamptic women (n=28) and women with normal pregnancy (n=27). The mean plasma concentrations of HbF, HbA, protein carbonyl groups, membrane peroxidation capacity, and alpha(1)-microglobulin were significantly increased in preeclamptic women. The levels of total plasma Hb correlated strongly with the systolic blood pressure. The plasma haptoglobin concentrations of women with preeclampsia were significantly depressed. Increased amounts of alpha(1)-microglobulin mRNA and protein were found in placenta from preeclamptic women, and the levels of plasma and placenta alpha(1)-microglobulin correlated with the plasma Hb concentrations. The heme-degrading form t-alpha(1)-microglobulin was significantly increased in urine in preeclampsia. These results support the idea that hemoglobin-induced oxidative stress is a pathogenic factor in preeclampsia.

  • the lipocalin alpha 1 microglobulin binds heme in different species
    Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2004
    Co-Authors: Bo Åkerström, Jorgen Larsson, Maria Allhorn
    Abstract:

    Abstract The lipocalin α1-microglobulin (α1m), found in plasma and tissues of various vertebrates, is brown, forms complexes with other proteins and has immunomodulatory effects in vitro, but the physiological function is not yet established. Human α1m was recently shown to bind heme and, after cleavage of a C-terminal tetrapeptide, initiate heme degradation, thus suggesting a heme-scavenger function. In this work the heme-binding of α1m was characterized using heme immobilized on agarose beads, spectrophotometry, and electrophoresis. α1m, both in plasma and in purified form, displayed a concentration-dependent binding to heme–agarose. The apparent dissociation-constant was estimated to be around 2 × 10−6 M for both free α1m and the IgA–α1m complex. Incubation with free heme resulted in two forms of α1m with different electrophoretic mobility. α1m, identified on Western blotting, was found in eluates from heme–agarose after incubation with human biological fluids as well as sera from non-human species, indicating evolutionary conservation of the heme-binding property. Heme-binding could be instrumental for isolating new α1m-homologues.