Astakine1 forms protein complex in plasma

In this study we found that astakine1 was present as a high molecular weight (HMW) complex in plasma. It is known that calcium concentration are fluctuating in several crustaceans especially during the molting process. This HMW-complex was formed under low calcium concentrations in plasma and could be partially reversed provided calcium was added. The biological function of the naïve astakine1 and that in the HMW complex was about the same, but if the protein is to be isolated or studied for its function it is important to know about this property of astakine1 which may previously have hampered isolation and functional studies in other animals than freshwater crayfish.
Source: Fish and Shellfish Immunology - Category: Biology Source Type: research