title: The oligomeric structure of high molecular weight adiponectin.
abstract: There is great interest in the structure of adiponectin as its oligomeric state may specify its biological activities. It occurs as a trimer, a hexamer and a high molecular weight complex. Epidemiological data indicate that the high molecular weight form is significant with low serum levels in type 2 diabetics but to date, has not been well-defined. To resolve this issue, characterization of this oligomer from bovine serum and 3T3-L1 adipocytes by sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation and gel electrophoresis respectively, was carried out, revealing that it is octadecameric. Further studies by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy established that bovine and possibly mouse high molecular weight adiponectin is C1q-like in structure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, 62 Talbot Ave., Medford, MA 02155, USA.
authors.forename: Shinji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wilson-Kubalek
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wert
authors.forename: Tsu-Shuen
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Tsao
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D041721:3T3-L1 Cells; D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D052242:Adiponectin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D015922:Complement C1q / Q000737:chemistry; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008970:Molecular Weight; D020836:Protein Structure, Quaternary
chemical_list: D052242:Adiponectin; D015922:Complement C1q