| Theme | Dialysis related amyloidosis -- The breakthrough is close at hand | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Modifications of beta2-microgllobulin molecule | |
| Publish Date | 2009/01 | |
| Author | Hirofumi Jono | Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University |
| Author | Yukio Ando | Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University |
| [ Summary ] | beta2-Microgllobulin (beta2-m) has been identified as the precursor protein of dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA), a serious complication for haemodialysis (HD) patients. Although elevated concentration of beta2-m is the main pathogenic process underlying beta2-m amyloid formation, substantial studies revealed that additional factors, such as advanced glycation end products (AGE) modifications of beta2-m proteolysis, misfolding and interaction with an extracellular matrix, may also contributed to the pathogenesis of DRA. This article summarizes the composition of beta2-m amyloid deposits in DRA patients and reviews modifications of beta2-microgllobulin molecule in DRA. | |