Formation of supramolecular aggregations of gamma-globulin as a metal-dependent process.

The presence of copper cations in the solution of human serum gamma-globulin induced the formation of supramolecular forms of the protein. The intensity of this reaction increased with increasing copper concentration. The mechanisms of g-globulin aggregate formation under normal conditions and the possible role of bivalent metal cations in the regulation of protein effector functions are discussed.