Kalirin (KALRN) Antibody

Background

Kalirin RhoGEF Kinase (KALRN) is a multifunctional protein that acts as a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RhoGEF), playing a critical role in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics, neuronal development, and synaptic plasticity. KALRN is expressed predominantly in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in neurons, where it facilitates the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton to regulate axon growth, dendritic spine formation, and synaptic connectivity. Structurally, KALRN contains multiple domains, including RhoGEF domains that activate Rho family GTPases, such as Rac1 and RhoA, SH3 and PH domains for protein-protein and membrane interactions, and a kinase domain that adds signaling versatility. This complex structure enables KALRN to integrate signals from various upstream pathways and regulate cytoskeletal dynamics critical for neuronal morphology. KALRN is essential for brain development and cognitive processes, including learning and memory, by modulating the size and shape of dendritic spines. It interacts with receptors like NMDARs (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors) and TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B), linking extracellular cues to intracellular cytoskeletal changes. KALRN is also involved in vascular remodeling, where it regulates endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis.