afracn2

AFRACN2 is a gene that encodes a protein involved in calcium signaling. The protein is a subunit of the alpha-2/delta (α2/δ) family of voltage-gated calcium channel auxiliary subunits. These subunits play a crucial role in modulating the function and trafficking of the pore-forming alpha-1 subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels. The α2/δ proteins are composed of two distinct subunits, α2 and δ, which are generated from a single gene through alternative splicing. The α2/δ-1 subunit, encoded by the CACNA2D1 gene, is one of the most well-characterized members of this family. The AFRACN2 protein is also known as CACNA2D1-AS, which indicates it is an antisense transcript. Antisense transcripts are RNA molecules that are complementary to a messenger RNA (mRNA) and can regulate gene expression. The precise function of AFRACN2 and its role in calcium channel regulation are still areas of active research. However, it is thought to influence the expression or stability of the canonical CACNA2D1 mRNA, thereby indirectly affecting calcium channel function. Aberrant calcium signaling is implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including neuronal excitability, muscle contraction, and hormone secretion. Dysregulation of calcium channels has been linked to neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and pain. Further investigation into the role of AFRACN2 may shed light on the complex mechanisms underlying these conditions and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.