title: Clinical proteomics: study of a cryogel.
abstract: 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).
authors.affiliation: Service Régional Vaudois de Transfusion Sanguine, rue du Bugnon 27, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Robert
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barelli
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Crettaz
authors.forename: Pierre-Alexandre
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bart
authors.forename: Jürg A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Schifferli
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Betticher
authors.forename: Jean-Daniel
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Tissot
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D003450:Cryoglobulins; D005782:Gels; D007075:Immunoglobulin M