Alpha actinins belong to the spectrin gene superfamily which represents a diverse group of cytoskeletal proteins, including the alpha and beta spectrins and dystrophins. Alpha actinin is an actin-binding protein with multiple roles in different cell types. In nonmuscle cells, the cytoskeletal isoform is found along microfilament bundles and adherens-type junctions, where it is involved in binding actin to the membrane. In contrast, skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle isoforms are localized to the Z-disc and analogous dense bodies, where they help anchor the myofibrillar actin filaments. This protein is a nonmuscle, alpha actinin isoform which is concentrated in the cytoplasm, and is thought to be involved in metastatic processes. Mutations in the gene encoding this protein have been associated with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis.

HUMAN

2-8°C (short-term); -20°C (long-term)