title: IgM reassociation in the absence of J-chain.
abstract: Human monoclonal IgM pentamers with different biophysical properties (euglobulin, pseudoglobulin or cryoglobulin) were reduced and reassociated in the absence of J-chain. Reassembly occurred for 50-82% of the monomers. The reassociated molecules consisted of covalent oligomers and pentamers. The deficiency of J-chain (estimated to be less than 0.17% of normal) was shown by alkaline-urea overloaded gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining. The addition of exogenous J-chain, from polymeric IgA or IgM, did not significantly modify the reassembly ratio. Thus J-chain does not seem to be an absolute requirement for IgM polymerization.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007144:Immunoglobulin J-Chains / Q000378:metabolism*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011485:Protein Binding
chemical_list: D007144:Immunoglobulin J-Chains; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D046911:Macromolecular Substances