ANXA6 - Annexin A6 | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

Annexin A6, also known as ANXA6, is a protein encoded by the ANXA6 gene in humans. It belongs to the annexin family of calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. Annexin A6 is a relatively large protein, consisting of about 670 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 75 kDa. Like other annexins, Annexin A6 binds to phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. It has a preference for phosphatidylinositol phospholipids. Annexin A6 is primarily localized in the cytoplasm, but it can associate with cellular membranes, including the plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles. Annexin A6 has been implicated in endocytosis, which is the process by which cells internalize molecules from the external environment. It plays a role in the formation and trafficking of endosomes. Annexin A6 has been associated with the organization of lipid rafts, which are specialized membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. These rafts are important for signaling and membrane trafficking. Annexin A6 may be also involved in the regulation of ion channels, particularly calcium channels. It has been shown to interact with and modulate the activity of certain calcium channels. Annexin A6 has been linked to various signaling pathways within cells. It may influence signaling cascades involved in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Some studies suggest that Annexin A6 plays a role in cytoskeletal organization, potentially influencing cell shape and movement.

Protein Structure:

• Core Domain: ANXA6 contains eight annexin repeats, more than any other family member, which allows it to bind multiple calcium ions and phospholipid membranes.
• N-terminal and C-terminal Domains: The N-terminal domain of ANXA6 is relatively short and less conserved, while the C-terminal domain plays a crucial role in membrane association and interaction with other proteins.

Classification and Subtypes:

ANXA6 belongs to the annexin family, which includes several other annexins such as ANXA1, ANXA2, ANXA3, ANXA4, and ANXA5. There are no specific subtypes of ANXA6, but its functions and interactions can vary based on cellular context and calcium concentration.

Function and Biological Significance:

• Membrane Dynamics: ANXA6 is involved in regulating membrane-related processes, including endocytosis, exocytosis, and membrane repair.
• Calcium Signaling: By binding calcium ions, ANXA6 modulates intracellular calcium signaling pathways, affecting various cellular activities.
• Lipid Metabolism: ANXA6 influences lipid metabolism and transport, playing a role in cholesterol homeostasis and lipid raft formation.
• Cell Proliferation and Migration: ANXA6 is implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, impacting processes such as wound healing and cancer metastasis.

Interactions:

• Phospholipids: ANXA6 binds to phospholipid membranes in a calcium-dependent manner, which is critical for its role in membrane-related processes.
• Proteins: ANXA6 interacts with a variety of proteins, including those involved in the cytoskeleton, signaling pathways, and vesicle trafficking. Notable interaction partners include p120GAP, which is involved in regulating the Ras signaling pathway, and S100A10, a protein involved in membrane repair.

Clinical Issues:

• Cancer: Altered expression of ANXA6 has been observed in several cancers, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Its role in cell proliferation and migration makes it a potential target for cancer therapy.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: ANXA6 is involved in cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of ANXA6 may contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis and heart disease.
• Neurological Disorders: ANXA6 has been implicated in neurological conditions due to its role in calcium signaling and membrane repair, affecting neural function and integrity.

Summary:

Annexin A6 (ANXA6) is a multifunctional protein involved in various cellular processes, including membrane dynamics, calcium signaling, lipid metabolism, and cell proliferation. Its ability to bind phospholipid membranes and interact with other proteins highlights its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to physiological changes. Clinically, ANXA6 is significant in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, making it a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Understanding its diverse roles and interactions is essential for developing targeted therapies and diagnostic tools in these conditions.