Association with lipids or detergents is essential for preservation of the active structure of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2

Recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A (rLp-PLA ) expressed in HEK293 cells has a propensity to form oligomers in the absence of detergents. Dilution of rLp-PLA in the absence of detergents results in irreversible inactivation of the enzyme. The monomeric rLp-PLA may expose its hydrophobic interfacial binding region or substrate binding compartment to water and that may cause structural collapsing of the enzyme. Formation of self-aggregate, complex with binding partners or association with detergent micelles is to block the access of aqueous solvent to the hydrophobic substrate binding site and therefore prevents the structural collapsing. Dilution inactivation of the enzyme can be prevented in the presence of LDL or HDL suggesting that Lp-PLA association with lipoprotein particles (LDL and HDL) is necessary for Lp-PLA to maintain its enzymatic activity in human plasma. Formation of higher affinity complex gave better protection of rLp-PLA structure and activity. The method can be harnessed to detect the interaction between rLp-PLA and components of lipoprotein particles. Apo(a), ApoB 100 and ApoA1 were found to protect the enzyme from inactivation at roughly the similar level (˜80 ± 5%) comparing to human serum albumin control (˜40%). One mg/ml pig brain phospholipid showed 100% protection under the same conditions.