Albumin, glycated human

General description

Albumin gene is mapped to human chromosome 4q13.3. It is synthesized as a preproalbumin with 609 amino acids in the liver. The mature albumin comprising 585 residues, is generated by the cleavage of signal peptide. Albumin is the major circulating protein in serum. It comprises three domains (I, II and III), each of which is subdivided into two subdomains A and B. A total of six ligand binding site is associated with albumin. Domain IIA and IIIA harbor small heterocyclic or aromatic compounds binding site. Long-chain fatty acid binding sites is present in IB and IIIB domains.

Application

Albumin, glycated human has been used:

• as a component of serum-free medium for retinal microglia activation
• to stimulate immortalised proximal tubule epithelial (HK-2) cells for fibronectin production
• as medium supplement in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) cultures to test its effect on family with sequence similarity 18, member B (FAM18B) expression

Naturally occurring glycated albumin is a sensitive indicator of glycemic control by diabetic patients.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Albumin is crucial for physiological processes and is the major transporter for lipids, metal ions and amino acids. It has antioxidant functionality and binds to drugs as well. Mutation in the albumin gene is implicated in an autosomal recessive disorder called Analbuminemia, which is characterized by low levels of albumin. The major glycation site is lysine 525 in albumin. Glycated albumin is a marker of glycemia in diabetes mellitus patients and is useful in assessment of HbA1c based glycemic control.

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing citrate buffer salts

Preparation Note

Glycated in vitro

Other Notes

View more information on human serum albumin.