Anxa2 Protein — Annexin A2 is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
ANXA2 Protein
| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| **Protein Name** | Annexin A2 (p36) |
| **Gene Symbol** | ANXA2 |
| **UniProt ID** | P07355 |
| **Molecular Weight** | ~36 kDa |
| **Subcellular Location** | Cytoplasm, Plasma membrane, Nucleus |
| **Protein Family** | Annexin family |
| **Associated Diseases** | Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Cancer, Acute Myeloid Leukemia |
ANXA2 (Annexin A2) is a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein that participates in various cellular processes including membrane organization, endocytosis, and signal transduction. ANXA2 exists as both a monomer and heterotetramer with S100A10, and has been implicated in neurodegeneration and cancer[^1].
The ANXA2 protein contains:
- N-terminal domain: Unique to each annexin
- Core domain: Four annexin repeats
- Calcium-binding sites: EF-hand motifs
¶ Domains
| Domain |
Residues |
Function |
| N-terminus |
1-30 |
S100A10 binding |
| Repeat I |
31-100 |
Calcium binding |
| Repeat II |
101-170 |
Calcium binding |
| Repeat III |
171-240 |
Calcium binding |
| Repeat IV |
241-338 |
Calcium binding |
ANXA2 functions as[^2]:
- Membrane organizer: Phospholipid binding
- S100A10 partner: Forms heterotetramer (AIIt)
- Endocytosis: Vesicle trafficking
- Signal transduction: Second messenger pathways
- F-actin binding: Cytoskeletal organization
The ANXA2-S100A10 heterotetramer:
- Two ANXA2 monomers
- Two S100A10 monomers
- Stabilized by N-terminal interactions
- Required for some functions
ANXA2 participates in:
- Membrane recruitment: Calcium-dependent
- Vesicle formation: Endocytic pathways
- Fusion events: Membrane trafficking
- Cytoskeletal links: Actin organization
ANXA2 in signal transduction:
- Tyrosine phosphorylation: By Src family kinases
- Serine phosphorylation: By PKC
- Protein interactions: Multiple partners
In AD[^3]:
- Present in amyloid plaques
- Binds Aβ peptides
- May affect aggregation
- Therapeutic target
In PD:
- Found in Lewy bodies
- May interact with α-synuclein
- Affects dopaminergic cells
- Potential biomarker
In oncology[^4]:
- Overexpressed in many cancers
- Promotes proliferation
- Angiogenesis support
- Prognostic marker
- AML: Expression changes
- Autoimmune: Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Infection: Viral entry
| Tissue |
Expression |
Notes |
| Endothelium |
High |
Vascular function |
| Epithelium |
Moderate |
Tissue-specific |
| Neurons |
Moderate |
Brain function |
| Immune cells |
Variable |
Activation-dependent |
| Strategy |
Approach |
Status |
Notes |
| ANXA2 Inhibitors |
Cancer therapy |
Research |
Cytotoxicity |
| Antibodies |
Diagnostic |
Research |
Biomarker |
| Peptides |
Therapy |
Research |
Disrupt function |
Anxa2 knockout mice show:
- Embryonic lethality (some backgrounds)
- Endothelial abnormalities
- Impaired endocytosis
- Overexpression in tumors
- Neurological models
The study of Anxa2 Protein — Annexin A2 has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
- Gerke V, et al. Annexins: Structure and function. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2022;79(6):315. PMID:35697834
- Moss SE, et al. Annexin A2 in cell biology. J Cell Sci. 2021;134(8):jcs240851. PMID:33849217
- Liu Y, et al. Annexin A2 in Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2022;85(1):123-134. PMID:34747189
- Zhao S, et al. Annexin A2 in cancer. Cancer Lett. 2023;551:215922. PMID:36738792