Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is found in the serum of normal individuals and in the urine in elevated amounts in patients with Wilson disease, cadmium poisoning, and other conditions leading to renal tubular dysfunction. Like immunoglobulins, prealbumin, and the beta protein found in the amyloid of Alzheimer disease, B2M has a predominantly beta-pleated sheet structure that may adopt the fibrillar configuration of amyloid in certain pathologic states. The protein is a single polypeptide chain of molecular weight 11,600 (human 119 aa, chromosome 15). B2M associates with heavy hcain of class I MHC antigens on the cell surface. A transient complex of MHC-heavy chain and B2M is is known to be assembled into the TAP molecule involving interation with a number of chaperones. Binding of the processed peptide releases the class I-B2M complex to the cell surface. Absence of binding leads to degradation in the proteasome. Progressive hepatic iron overload, indistinguishable from that observed in HFE, was found only in mice homozygous for the mutated B2M gene. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA, Western Blot, Dot Blot, Immunohistochemistry and Immunoprecipitation. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: Store product at 4C if to be used immediately within two weeks. For long-term storage, aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing and store at -20C. Aliquots are stable at -20C for 12 months after receipt. Dilute required amount only prior to immediate use. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. Note: Sodium azide is a potent inhibitor of peroxidase and should not be added to HRP conjugates. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Note: Applications are based on unconjugated antibody.