Human Desmoyokin (AHNAK) Protein

Background

AHNAK is a large, multifunctional nucleoprotein involved in cellular architecture, calcium signaling, and membrane repair. It is highly expressed in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, where it localizes to the cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and nucleus. AHNAK interacts with actin and other cytoskeletal elements, contributing to cell shape maintenance, cell migration, and membrane dynamics. It also plays a key role in calcium homeostasis by interacting with calcium channels, such as annexins and S100A10, and facilitating membrane repair processes in response to injury. AHNAK is implicated in tumor progression, particularly in cancers like glioblastoma, breast cancer, and melanoma, where its expression correlates with cell motility and invasive potential. Additionally, AHNAK has been associated with immune regulation, influencing T-cell activation and migration. Dysregulation of AHNAK contributes to cardiac hypertrophy, immune dysfunction, and cancer metastasis.