alphaactinin1
Alpha-actinin1, also known as ACTN1, is a protein encoded by the ACTN1 gene in humans. It is a member of the alpha-actinin protein family, which are actin-binding proteins. Alpha-actinins are essential components of the cytoskeleton and play a crucial role in the organization of actin filaments. ACTN1 is primarily found in non-muscle cells and contributes to the formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions. It acts as a cross-linker for actin filaments, helping to stabilize their structure and connect them to other cellular components. This protein is involved in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, cell migration, and muscle contraction, though its role in muscle is less pronounced than other alpha-actinin isoforms. The precise mechanisms by which ACTN1 influences these processes are still under investigation, but it is known to interact with a variety of other proteins, further highlighting its importance in cellular architecture and function. Dysregulation of ACTN1 has been implicated in certain disease states, suggesting its broader physiological significance.