Actin, Alpha, Smooth Muscle (ACTA2) Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the actin family of proteins, which are highly conserved proteins that play a role in cell motility, structure and integrity. Alpha, beta and gamma actin isoforms have been identified, with alpha actins being a major constituent of the contractile apparatus, while beta and gamma actins are involved in the regulation of cell motility. This actin is an alpha actin that is found in skeletal muscle. Defects in this gene cause aortic aneurysm familial thoracic type 6. Multiple alternatively spliced variants, encoding the same protein, have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2008]

ACTA2: Actins are highly conserved proteins that are involved in various types of cell motility and are ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotic cells. Polymerization of globular actin (G-actin) leads to a structural filament (F-actin) in the form of a two-stranded helix. Each actin can bind to 4 others. Up-regulated in response to enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection. Belongs to the actin family.

Protein type: Contractile; Cytoskeletal; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 10q23.3

Cellular Component: extracellular space; protein complex; smooth muscle contractile fiber; cytoplasm; cytosol; actin cytoskeleton

Molecular Function: protein kinase binding; ATP binding

Biological Process: muscle contraction; regulation of blood pressure; response to virus; vascular smooth muscle contraction

Disease: Multisystemic Smooth Muscle Dysfunction Syndrome; Moyamoya Disease 5; Aortic Aneurysm, Familial Thoracic 6