anti-ACTA2, Rabbit Monoclonal (RM253)

Actins are a family of globular multi-functional proteins that form microfilaments and are important for cell movement and the tensing (contraction) of muscles. ACTA2 (alpha smooth muscle actin; α-SMA) is one of 6 different actin isoforms and is involved in the contractile apparatus of smooth muscle. Smooth muscles line the internal organs, including the blood vessels, stomach, and intestines. Within smooth muscle cells, smooth muscle α-2 actin forms the core of structures called sarcomeres, which are necessary for muscles to contract. ACTA2 (as with all the actins) is extremely highly conserved and found in nearly all mammals. Mutations in this gene cause a variety of vascular diseases, such as thoracic aortic disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, Moyamoya disease and multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome. ACTA2 is often used as a marker of myofibroblast formation.