Clinical proteomics: study of a cryogel.
Cryoproteins are proteins precipitating at low temperature. Usually, the precipitate contains immunoglobulins (Igs), and are therefore called cryoglobulins. Very rarely, Igs do not precipitate, but, upon cooling, form a gel. Here, we report a case of cryogel observed in a patient presenting with Waldenström's disease. Using proteomic tools, a monoclonal IgM was identified as being the cause of the gel formation. Furthermore, addition of H(2)O before incubation at 4 degrees C demonstrated that the monoclonal IgM was precipitable as a type I cryoglobulin (hypocryoglobulin).
Robert
Daniel
D
Service Régional Vaudois de Transfusion Sanguine, rue du Bugnon 27, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Barelli
Stefano
S
Crettaz
David
D
Bart
Pierre-Alexandre
PA
Schifferli
Jürg A
JA
Betticher
Daniel
D
Tissot
Jean-Daniel
JD
D000328:Adult; D003450:Cryoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D040901:Proteomics; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*
D003450:Cryoglobulins; D005782:Gels; D007075:Immunoglobulin M