Ankyrin Repeat Domain 1 Protein

Background

ANKRD1, also known as Cardiac Ankyrin Repeat Protein (CARP), is a transcriptional regulator predominantly expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscles. It localizes to the nucleus and sarcomere, where it interacts with structural proteins like titin and myopalladin. ANKRD1 functions as a stress response protein, upregulated during mechanical stress, injury, and pathological remodeling of the heart. It regulates gene expression through its interaction with transcription factors and participates in processes such as cardiomyocyte differentiation, sarcomeric assembly, and cellular mechanosensing. Mutations or dysregulation of ANKRD1 are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where it contributes to altered heart function and structure. ANKRD1 also plays a role in fibrosis, angiogenesis, and cellular signaling pathways activated during heart failure and stress adaptation, making it a potential biomarker for cardiac disorders.