The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the actin family of proteins, which are highly conserved proteins that play a role in cell motility, structure and integrity. Alpha, beta and gamma actin isoforms have been identified, with alpha actins being a major constituent of the contractile apparatus, while beta and gamma actins are involved in the regulation of cell motility. This actin is an alpha actin that is found in skeletal muscle. Defects in this gene cause aortic aneurysm familial thoracic type 6. Multiple alternatively spliced variants, encoding the same protein, have been identified.
Categories
Primary Antibodies
Cellular Localization
Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton
Clonality
polyclonal
Description
ACTA2 (also known as α-smooth muscle actin or α-SMA) belongs to the actin family. Actins are highly conserved proteins that are involved in various types of cell motility and are ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotic cells. ACTA2 is primarily expressed in vascular smooth muscle and anti-ACTA2 is commonly used to marker smooth muscle cells. This antibody may cross-react with other isoforms of actins.