Catenin Alpha (CTNNA1) Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

This gene encodes a member of the catenin family of proteins that play an important role in cell adhesion process by connecting cadherins located on the plasma membrane to the actin filaments inside the cell. The encoded mechanosensing protein contains three vinculin homology domains and undergoes conformational changes in response to cytoskeletal tension, resulting in the reconfiguration of cadherin-actin filament connections. Certain mutations in this gene cause butterfly-shaped pigment dystrophy. [provided by RefSeq, May 2016]

CTNNA1: Associates with the cytoplasmic domain of a variety of cadherins. The association of catenins to cadherins produces a complex which is linked to the actin filament network, and which seems to be of primary importance for cadherins cell-adhesion properties. Can associate with both E- and N-cadherins. Originally believed to be a stable component of E-cadherin/catenin adhesion complexes and to mediate the linkage of cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton at adherens junctions. In contrast, cortical actin was found to be much more dynamic than E-cadherin/catenin complexes and CTNNA1 was shown not to bind to F-actin when assembled in the complex suggesting a different linkage between actin and adherens junctions components. The homodimeric form may regulate actin filament assembly and inhibit actin branching by competing with the Arp2/3 complex for binding to actin filaments. May play a crucial role in cell differentiation. Monomer and homodimer; the monomer preferentially binds to CTNNB1 and the homodimer to actin. Binds MLLT4 and F-actin. Possible component of an E-cadherin/ catenin adhesion complex together with E-cadherin/CDH1 and beta-catenin/CTNNB1 or gamma- catenin/JUP; the complex is located to adherens junctions. The stable association of CTNNA1 is controversial as CTNNA1 was shown not to bind to F-actin when assembled in the complex. Alternatively, the CTNNA1-containing complex may be linked to F- actin by other proteins such as LIMA1. Interacts with ARHGAP21 and with AJUBA. Interacts with LIMA1. Expressed ubiquitously in normal tissues. Belongs to the vinculin/alpha-catenin family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Actin-binding; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 5q31.2

Cellular Component: catenin complex; cell junction; cytosol; focal adhesion; Golgi apparatus; intercellular junction; intracellular membrane-bound organelle; plasma membrane

Molecular Function: beta-catenin binding; cadherin binding; gamma-catenin binding; protein binding; RNA binding; vinculin binding

Biological Process: positive regulation of muscle cell differentiation

Disease: Macular Dystrophy, Patterned, 2