Characterization, expression and evolution of mouse beta sub(2)-glycoprotein I (apolipoprotein H)

beta sub(2)-glycoprotein I ( beta sub(2)I) is a 50kDa serum glycoprotein of ill defined function. Based upon its capacity to bind negatively charged phospholipids a number of possible inhibitory roles for beta sub(2)I have been proposed. We have cloned and sequenced a full length mouse beta sub(2)I cDNA clone and demonstrated that mouse beta sub(2)I does not behave as an acute phase reactant following an experimentally induced inflammation. Phylogenetic analysis of the known mammalian beta sub(2)I homologues has provided evidence that mouse beta sub(2)I is the most divergent and is evolving at a faster rate than beta sub(2)I in other species.