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Updated: May 11, 2026
05:48
Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro
Published on: December 6, 2013
Beta-2 microglobulin is an amyloidogenic protein in man
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Amyloid-like fibrils were found in a patient undergoing dialysis. These fibrils are composed of beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), a serum protein, suggesting B2M can form amyloid structures in disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Amyloidosis is characterized by protein misfolding and fibril formation.
- Chronic kidney disease and dialysis are associated with various complications.
Observation:
- Curvilinear amyloid-like fibrils were isolated from a patient with bone and joint issues related to chronic dialysis.
- Gel filtration and Edman degradation were used to analyze the fibril composition.
Findings:
- The fibrils were found to be composed of beta-2 microglobulin (B2M).
- Subunit fractions of 24,000 and 12,000 mol wt were identified, with the smaller fraction containing a dimer.
- Edman degradation confirmed the amino-terminal sequence of B2M in the subunit fractions.
Implications:
- Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) can form amyloid fibrils in pathological conditions.
- This finding expands the understanding of amyloidosis and its potential triggers.
- Low molecular weight serum proteins with beta-pleated sheet structures may be prone to fibril formation.
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