Normal two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of alpha-2-macroglobulin in cystic fibrosis.

Some studies have suggested that a mutant form of alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha-2-M) could be the primary defect in cystic fibrosis (CF). To test for the presence of charge change amino acid substitutions, alpha-2-M was examined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis following complete denaturation of the proteins. The pattern of nine charge isomers observed was the same in homozygous, heterozygous, and normal individuals.