ANKRIN Meaning and
Definition
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Ankrin refers to a family of cytoskeletal proteins found in various organisms, including animals and humans. These proteins are involved in multiple crucial cellular functions, particularly in the formation and maintenance of the cell's structural integrity. Ankrins play a fundamental role in connecting the plasma membrane with the underlying actin cytoskeleton, thereby ensuring the stability and organization of the cell.
Ankrins are typically elongated, rope-like molecules consisting of several domains. One of the prominent features of ankrin proteins is their high affinity for binding to transmembrane proteins, such as ion channels, cell adhesion molecules, and receptors, through specific interaction domains. This association allows ankrins to act as scaffolding proteins, linking these transmembrane proteins to the intracellular actin cytoskeleton.
Moreover, ankrins have been implicated in the regulation of ion channels, acting as adaptors that bring together ion channels and cytoskeletal elements, facilitating their localization, function, and modulation. They are also involved in the assembly of specialized membrane structures, such as the nodes of Ranvier in neurons and intercalated discs in cardiomyocytes.
The expression and function of ankrins are highly diverse, with different isoforms found in distinct tissues and cell types. Dysregulation or mutations in ankrin proteins have been associated with various human diseases, including hereditary spherocytosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and neurological disorders. Given their vital roles in cellular organization and communication, ankrins remain a subject of active research to further understand their precise mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.
Common Misspellings for ANKRIN
- znkrin
- snkrin
- wnkrin
- qnkrin
- abkrin
- amkrin
- ajkrin
- ahkrin
- anjrin
- anmrin
- anlrin
- anorin
- anirin
- ankein
- ankdin
- ankfin
- anktin
- ank5in
- ank4in
- ankrun
Etymology of ANKRIN
The word "ankrin" is derived from the Greek word "ankura", which means "anchor". Ankrin is a variant spelling of ankyrin, which is a protein that functions as an anchor for various proteins within cells. The name "ankyrin" refers to its role in anchoring other proteins to specific locations in the cell membrane. The term was coined in the field of biology to describe this protein, and it has since become a standard term in biological and medical literature.
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