Blood proteins, also termed serum proteins or plasma proteins, are proteins found in blood plasma. Serum total protein in blood is 7g/dl. They serve many different functions, including
Separating serum proteins by electrophoresis is a valuable diagnostic tool as well as a way to monitor clinical progress.
Often mentioned blood proteins:
Blood protein | Normal level | % | Function |
---|---|---|---|
Albumins | 3.5-5.0 g/dl | 60% | create oncotic pressure and transports other molecules |
immunoglobulins | 1.0-1.5 g/dl | 18% | participate in immune system |
Fibrinogens | 0.2-0.45 g/dl | 4% | blood coagulation |
alpha 1-antitrypsin | neutralize trypsin that has leaked from the digestive system | ||
Regulatory proteins | <1% | Regulation of few gene expression |
Other types of blood proteins include: Prealbumin Alpha 1 antitrypsin Alpha 1 acid glycoprotein Alpha 1 fetoprotein Haptoglobin Alpha 2 macroglobulin Ceruloplasmin Transferring C3/C4 Beta 2 microglobulin Beta lipoprotein Gamma globulin proteins C-reactive protein (CRP)
All the plasma proteins are synthesized in liver except gamma globulins.
60% of plasma proteins are made up of the protein albumin, which are major contributors to osmotic pressure of plasma which assists in the transport of lipids and steroid hormones. Globulins make up 35% of plasma proteins and are used in the transport of ions, hormones and lipids assisting in immune function. 4% is fibrinogen which is essential in the clotting of blood and can be converted into insoluble fibrin. Regulatory proteins which make up less than 1% of plasma proteins are proteins such as enzymes, proenzymes and hormones. Current research regarding blood plasma proteins is centered on performing proteomics analyses of serum/plasma in the search for biomarkers. These efforts started with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis[1] efforts in the 1970s and in more recent times this research has been performed using LC-tandem MS[2][3] based proteomics.
Clinical Chemistry : a laboratory perspective / [edited by] Wendy Arneson, Jean Brickell.