Instability of monoclonal myeloma protein may be identified as susceptibility to penetration and binding by newly synthesized Congo red derivatives

Biochimie. 2004 Jun;86(6):397-401. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2004.05.002.

Abstract

Monoclonal myeloma proteins often have an abnormal, unstable structure, and tend to aggregate with fatal clinical consequences. A method for early clinical identification of this aggregation tendency is impatiently awaited. This work proposes the use of supramolecular dyes as specific ligands to reveal protein instability. Disclosure of excessive polypeptide chain flexibility in unstable monoclonal proteins, leading to increased susceptibility to penetration by foreign compounds, appeared possible when new supramolecular Congo red-derived dyes with different protein-binding capabilities were used for complexation. Two basic protein instability levels, local and global, were differentiated by comparing the extent of protein loading with dye and the subsequent electrophoretic migration rate of the complexes. A simple electrophoretic test is proposed for assessment of the instability of monoclonal proteins in clinical conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / metabolism
  • Coloring Agents / chemistry
  • Coloring Agents / metabolism
  • Congo Red / analogs & derivatives*
  • Congo Red / chemistry
  • Congo Red / metabolism*
  • Electrophoresis, Agar Gel / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / metabolism*
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology
  • Myeloma Proteins / chemistry*
  • Myeloma Proteins / immunology
  • Myeloma Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Coloring Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Myeloma Proteins
  • Congo Red