Protein electrophoresis
589968
224739471
2008-07-10T05:33:56Z
Senator Palpatine
7357381
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/66.198.147.20|66.198.147.20]] to last version by Ragesoss (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
[[Image:Electrophoresis.png|thumb|Schematic representation of a protein electrophoresis gel]]
In [[chemistry]] and [[medicine]], '''protein electrophoresis''' (a.k.a. [[Immunoelectrophoresis ]]) is a method of analysing a mixture of [[protein]]s by means of [[gel electrophoresis]], mainly in [[blood]] [[blood plasma|serum]] ([[blood plasma]] is not suitable). Before the widespread use of electrophoresis gels, protein electrophoresis was performed on paper (sometimes in combination with [[paper chromotography]]).
== Interpretation ==
There are two classes of [[blood]] [[protein]]s: [[serum albumin]] and [[globulin]]. They are generally equal in proportion, but [[albumin]] is much smaller and lightly negatively charged, leading to an accumulation of albumin on the electrophoretic gel. A small band before albumin represents [[transthyretin]] (also named prealbumin). Some forms of medication or body chemicals can cause their own band, usually small. Abnormal bands (spikes) are seen in [[monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance]] and [[multiple myeloma]], and are useful in the diagnosis of these conditions.
The [[globulin]]s are classified by their banding pattern (with their main representatives):
* The ''[[alpha globulin|alpha]]'' (α) band consists of two parts, 1 and 2:
** '''α<sub>1</sub>''' - [[alpha 1-antitrypsin|α<sub>1</sub>-antitrypsin]], α<sub>1</sub>-acid glycoprotein.
** '''α<sub>2</sub>''' - [[haptoglobin]], [[alpha 2-macroglobulin|α<sub>2</sub>-macroglobulin]], [[Alpha 2-antiplasmin|α<sub>2</sub>-antiplasmin]], [[ceruloplasmin]].
* The ''[[beta globulin|beta]]'' (β) band - [[transferrin]], [[LDL]], [[complement system|complement]]
* The ''[[Gamma globulin|gamma]]'' (γ) band - [[immunoglobulin]] (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM). [[Paraprotein]]s (in [[multiple myeloma]]) appear in this band.
== See also ==
* [[Gel electrophoresis]]
* [[Paraprotein]]
* [[Electrofocusing]]
* [[QPNC-PAGE]]
* [[Immunofixation]]
{{Protein methods}}
[[Category:Electrophoresis]]
[[Category:Molecular biology]]
[[Category:Protein methods]]
[[Category:Laboratory techniques]]
[[Category:Hematology]]
[[Category:Medical tests]]
[[de:Serumelektrophorese]]
[[fr:Électrophorèse des protéines]]
[[pl:Proteinogram]]
== External links ==
[http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/113343976/ABSTRACT Discontinuous native protein gel electrophoresis]
[http://wolfson.huji.ac.il/purification/ Protein purification facility]