Human A-Kinase Anchor Protein 7 Isoform Gamma (AKAP7) Protein

Background

AKAP7, also referred to as AKAP15/18, is a small, membrane-associated scaffold protein that localizes PKA and other signaling molecules to the plasma membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in excitable cells, such as neurons and cardiac myocytes. AKAP7 regulates PKA-dependent phosphorylation of L-type calcium channels, ensuring proper calcium influx during action potentials, which is critical for cardiac and neuronal excitability. It also interacts with phospholamban to modulate SR calcium uptake through SERCA2 pumps, impacting cardiac muscle relaxation. AKAP7 isoforms have diverse roles, with AKAP18γ and AKAP18δ being involved in anchoring signaling components to SR and plasma membranes. Dysregulation of AKAP7 impairs calcium handling, leading to arrhythmias, cardiac dysfunction, and impaired synaptic plasticity. AKAP7 has also been implicated in insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells, where it organizes signaling components involved in glucose-stimulated calcium responses.