α1-Microglobulin (protein HC) is a lipocalin with immunosuppressive properties. The lipocalins are a family of proteins which transport small hydrophobic molecules such as steroids, bilins, retinoids, and lipids. Well known lipocalins are α1-microglobulin, α-1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid), apolipoprotein D, β-lactoglobulin, and complement component C8 γ chain etc. A gene in the lipocalin cluster encodes α1-microglobulin together with a Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor, bikunin. The gene is translated into the α1-microglobulin-bikunin precursor, which is subsequently cleaved and the two proteins secreted to the blood separately.
α1-Microglobulin, is a monomeric protein of a molecular size of 27 kDa. It is produced by the liver and circulates in a free form, but is also bound in complexes to high molecular weight molecules. In human plasma, approx. 50% of α1-microglobulin forms a one-to-one complex with monomeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) by a reduction resistant bond.
Normal urine contains very small amounts of α1-microglobulin. In conditions with disturbed tubular function, reabsorption of α1-microglobulin is reduced and increased amounts are found in urine. Urinary α1-microglobulin seems a promising marker for renal abnormalities and for the differentiation of various nephrological and urological pathologies.

Western Blot: 1.0 ?g/ml;

Type: Primary
Antigen: AMBP (alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor)
Clonality: Monoclonal
Clone: 10A12
Conjugation: Unconjugated
Epitope:
Host: Mouse
Isotype: IgG1 Kappa
Reactivity: Human