Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (ACTA2) Antibody – Rabbit 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]

Function: Actins are highly conserved proteins that are involved in various types of cell motility and are ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotic cells.

Subunit structure: 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.

Subcellular location: Cytoplasm › cytoskeleton.

Induction: Up-regulated in response to enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection. Ref.11

Post-translational modification: Oxidation of Met-46 and Met-49 by MICALs (MICAL1, MICAL2 or MICAL3) to form methionine sulfoxide promotes actin filament depolymerization. MICAL1 and MICAL2 produce the (R)-S-oxide form. The (R)-S-oxide form is reverted by MSRB1 and MSRB2, which promote actin repolymerization

By similarity.Monomethylation at Lys-86 (K84me1) regulates actin-myosin interaction and actomyosin-dependent processes. Demethylation by ALKBH4 is required for maintaining actomyosin dynamics supporting normal cleavage furrow ingression during cytokinesis and cell migration

By similarity.

Involvement in disease: ACTA2 mutations predispose patients to a variety of diffuse and diverse vascular diseases, premature onset coronary artery disease (CAD), premature ischemic strokes and Moyamoya disease. Ref.15Aortic aneurysm, familial thoracic 6 (AAT6) [MIM:611788]: A disease characterized by permanent dilation of the thoracic aorta usually due to degenerative changes in the aortic wall. It is primarily associated with a characteristic histologic appearance known as 'medial necrosis' or 'Erdheim cystic medial necrosis' in which there is degeneration and fragmentation of elastic fibers, loss of smooth muscle cells, and an accumulation of basophilic ground substance.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.13 Ref.14 Ref.15Moyamoya disease 5 (MYMY5) [MIM:614042]: A progressive cerebral angiopathy characterized by bilateral intracranial carotid artery stenosis and telangiectatic vessels in the region of the basal ganglia. The abnormal vessels resemble a 'puff of smoke' (moyamoya) on cerebral angiogram. Affected individuals can develop transient ischemic attacks and/or cerebral infarction, and rupture of the collateral vessels can cause intracranial hemorrhage. Hemiplegia of sudden onset and epileptic seizures constitute the prevailing presentation in childhood, while subarachnoid bleeding occurs more frequently in adults.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.15 Ref.17Multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome (MSMDYS) [MIM:613834]: A syndrome characterized by dysfunction of smooth muscle cells throughout the body, leading to aortic and cerebrovascular disease, fixed dilated pupils, hypotonic bladder, malrotation, and hypoperistalsis of the gut and pulmonary hypertension.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.15 Ref.16

Miscellaneous: In vertebrates 3 main groups of actin isoforms, alpha, beta and gamma have been identified. The alpha actins are found in muscle tissues and are a major constituent of the contractile apparatus. The beta and gamma actins coexist in most cell types as components of the cytoskeleton and as mediators of internal cell motility.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the actin family.