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Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro
05:48

Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro

Published on: December 5, 2013

beta 2-Microglobulin modified with advanced glycation end products is a major component of hemodialysis-associated

T Miyata1, O Oda, R Inagi

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Branch Hospital, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|September 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Advanced glycation end product (AGE)-modified beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) is a primary component of amyloid deposits in hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis. This modification explains the altered properties of beta 2M found in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nephrology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis is a complication in patients with long-term kidney failure.
  • Beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) is a major protein component of amyloid fibrils in this condition.
  • The exact nature of beta 2M modification leading to amyloid formation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physicochemical and immunochemical properties of beta 2M in hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis.
  • To determine if beta 2M in amyloid deposits is modified.
  • To elucidate the role of glycation in the pathogenesis of beta 2M amyloidosis.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and purification of beta 2M from carpal tunnel connective tissues and urine of hemodialysis patients.
  • Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting to analyze beta 2M properties.
  • Physicochemical analysis including pI determination, color, and fluorescence measurement.
  • Immunochemical assays using anti-AGE and anti-Amadori antibodies.
  • In vitro glycation of normal beta 2M with glucose.

Main Results:

  • Amyloid-associated beta 2M exhibited a more acidic isoelectric point (pI) compared to normal beta 2M.
  • Acidic beta 2M showed brown coloration and fluorescence, characteristic of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
  • Acidic beta 2M reacted with antibodies against AGEs and Amadori products, while normal beta 2M did not.
  • In vitro glycation of beta 2M induced similar changes in pI, fluorescence, and immunoreactivity.
  • Beta 2M from amyloid fibrils also reacted with anti-AGE antibodies.

Conclusions:

  • AGE-modified beta 2M is a dominant constituent of amyloid deposits in hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis.
  • Glycation of beta 2M, a process related to the Maillard reaction, leads to its altered properties and amyloid formation.
  • These findings highlight the role of protein glycation in the development of dialysis-related amyloid complications.

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