Entrez 60 | Ensembl ENSG00000075624 | |
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External IDs MGI: 87904 HomoloGene: 110648 GeneCards: ACTB | ||
Beta-actin (human gene and protein symbol ACTB/ACTB) is one of six different actin isoforms which have been identified in humans. This is one of the two nonmuscle cytoskeletal actins. Actins are highly conserved proteins that are involved in cell motility, structure and integrity. Alpha actins are a major constituent of the contractile apparatus.
Contents
Interactions
Beta-actin has been shown to interact with SPTBN2. In addition, RNA-binding protein Sam68 was found to interact with the mRNA encoding β-actin, which regulates the synaptic formation of the dendritic spines with its cytoskeletal components.
Beta-actin has been shown to activate eNOS, thereby increasing NO production. An eight-amino acid residue (326-333) in actin has been shown to mediate the interaction between actin and eNOS
Clinical relevance
Recurrent mutations in this gene have been associated to cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Applications
Beta actin is usually used as a loading control, for among others, the integrity of cells, protein degradation, in PCR and Western blotting. Its molecular weight is approximately 42 kDa.