Application

Albumin has been used in ion exchange chromatography to compare the albumin isolated from whole human plasma. It has been used to bind to phage clones in phage binding assay.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Human albumin is a globular unglycosylated serum protein that makes up for more than half of the total plasma or serum proteins. It functions in the maintenance of COP (cellular oncotic pressure). It binds to hydrophobic organic anions such as, bilirubin, long-chain fatty acids and haematin and some cations such as magnesium and calcium. It also serves as a secondary or tertiary carrier for steroids, vitamin D and thyroxine. It is involved in the catabolism of prostaglandins and metabolism of certain endogenous substances, such as lipids, and eicosanoids. It acts as a plasma buffer and scavenges oxygen free radicals, thus reducing the pathological effects of certain inflammatory diseases. Mutation in the gene coding for albumin leads to familial dysalbuminaemic hyperthyroidism.

General description

Human albumin is encoded by ALB gene that is mapped to human chromosome 4q. The gene is developmentally regulated and is synthesized by the liver. The encoded protein has a molar mass of 65,000Da and consists of a single polypeptide chain of 585 amino acids.

Physical form

Lyophilized as a salt free solid.